JP7665740B2 - Adapter with interchangeable elements for connecting a makeup applicator to an external device - Patents.com - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to non-provisional application No. 17/036,597, filed September 29, 2020, and French application No. 2,012,204, filed November 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure is directed to an interchangeable element for an adapter that couples a makeup applicator to an external device, particularly a motion control device.

The "Background" discussion provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this Background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not have been admitted as prior art at the time of filing, are not admitted, expressly or impliedly, as prior art to the present invention.

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

A conventional mascara applicator includes a wand with bristles. The wand includes a stem, one end of which defines an applicator head having bristles. The applicator head may be a flat comb, a tapered comb, or a curved comb. The applicator head may be thin for short lashes and thick for thick lashes. Additionally, the applicator head may have a brush design that promotes lash separation or another design that promotes lash volume or coverage. The applicator head loaded with mascara is applied to the lashes. Application of mascara using a conventional applicator requires several brush applications.

One end of the wand stem may be attached to a handle, which is usually conical or cylindrical, or occasionally a flattened rectangle. Rotating stem brushes have been proposed which may reduce the need for the user to rotate the handle during application of mascara. A rotating mascara brush may be implemented by supporting the stem of the brush for rotational movement relative to the handle.

U.S. Patent No. 8,028,707 to Wyatt et al. describes a cosmetic applicator including a handle and a stem with an applicator head coupled to the stem. An actuator is coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibratory motion.

Despite all types of applicator heads, and handles that can rotate or vibrate the applicator head, users with hand tremors or limited range of motion in the hands and arms can have difficulty using applicators to apply makeup, especially makeup that requires fine control, such as lip gloss or mascara. Hand tremors can be caused by Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. People with hand tremors have difficulty holding makeup applicators securely. Limited range of motion in the hands and arms can be caused by cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, Huntington's disease, and deficits after stroke. People with tremors that limit the hands or arms have difficulty holding makeup applicators in the desired position at certain angles. In addition, different forms of applicators require different movements of the hands and arms.

One objective of the present disclosure is to describe a combination of a motion stabilizing or leveling device and a makeup applicator to assist individuals with hand tremors or limited range of motion in the hands and arms. One aspect is an adapter for connecting the motion stabilizing or leveling device to any of several types of makeup applicators of various sizes and shapes. One aspect is an adapter with one or more rotating elements to allow easy adjustment of the angle of the makeup applicator.

The first aspect is an adapter for connecting any one of a variety of makeup applicators for applying makeup to a motion control device that directs the movement of the makeup applicator, the adapter including a base component having a base coupling for connecting the adapter to the motion control device in a specific orientation, and an end component having an end coupling for connecting the adapter to the makeup applicator. The end component has a central axis passing through its center, and is rotatably attached to the base component about the central axis, the end component having a structure for locking the end component at a specific rotation angle about the central axis.

A second embodiment in which the end components are made of rubber.

A third embodiment in which the base connector has an elliptical cross section.

A fourth embodiment in which the base connector has an hourglass-shaped cross section.

A fifth aspect, in which the base coupling includes a pair of magnets positioned on opposite sides of the base coupling, the pair of magnets having a first polarization that attracts the motion stabilization device in one orientation and repels the motion stabilization device in another orientation.

A sixth aspect in which the structure for locking the end component at a particular angle of rotation about the central axis is a lockable detent that allows incremental rotation in one direction and locks to prevent rotation in the reverse direction.

A seventh aspect, in which the end connector for connecting the adapter to the makeup applicator includes an opening for inserting and holding the makeup applicator within the opening.

An eighth embodiment, in which the opening for holding the makeup applicator includes a plurality of rubber projections projecting inwardly of the opening for gripping the makeup applicator.

A ninth aspect, in which the rubber protrusions are arranged in at least two annular patterns.

A tenth aspect, in which the opening for holding the makeup applicator includes a plurality of equally spaced ribs extending into the opening and extending in a depth direction of the opening for gripping the makeup applicator.

An eleventh aspect, in which the end components are interchangeable with other end components having openings of different sizes and shapes.

A twelfth aspect, in which the motion control device directs movement in the opposite direction of any detected vibrational movement of the hand.

A thirteenth embodiment, in which the opening for holding the makeup applicator is cylindrical.

A fourteenth aspect, in which the opening for holding the makeup applicator tapers to a smaller diameter from the entrance to the opening.

A fifteenth embodiment, in which the opening for holding the makeup applicator is rectangular in cross section.

A sixteenth aspect is a makeup applicator system including an applicator stabilizing unit configured to stabilize the applicator in response to an unintended muscle movement caused by a user, and an applicator coupling element configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator stabilizing unit.

A seventeenth aspect, in which the applicator coupling element is configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator stabilizing unit via a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

An eighteenth aspect, in which the applicator coupling element includes at least a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to removably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizing unit.

A nineteenth aspect, in which the first attachment portion removably attaches 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 removably attaches to the applicator stabilizing 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, in which the applicator coupling element includes at least a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to removably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizing unit, and the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion include a bayonet coupling component, a friction fit coupling component, a magnetic coupling component, a snap fit coupling component, or a threaded coupling component.

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

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages 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.
1 is a schematic diagram showing several different types of makeup applicators spanning a range of shapes and sizes. 1 is a schematic diagram showing several different types of makeup applicators spanning a range of shapes and sizes. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a makeup applicator inserted into a handle. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a motion stabilization device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a leveling device. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the applicator stabilization unit in a tilted position. 7 is a diagram of the internal components of the applicator stabilization unit of FIG. 6. 7A-7C are diagrams of alternative configurations of the internal components of the applicator stabilization unit of FIG. 6. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element having multiple detents for rotation of the applicator coupling element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having multiple detents for rotation of the alternative applicator coupling element, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element having a single detent against rotation, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having a single detent against rotation, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element having a smaller diameter than the adapter of FIGS. 9-12. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a motion stabilization device and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a leveling device or applicator stabilization unit and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a motion stabilization device, an applicator coupling element, and a makeup applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a leveling device or applicator stabilizing unit, an applicator coupling element, and a makeup applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 illustrates different embodiments using an applicator stabilization unit with different applicators.

In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "a", "an", and the like generally have the meaning of "one or more" unless otherwise specified. The drawings are generally drawn to scale unless otherwise specified or when illustrating schematic structures or flow charts.

In addition, the terms "approximately," "approximately," "about," and similar terms generally refer to a range that includes a specified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any value therebetween.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to applicator coupling elements, also referred to as adapters, that couple any of various types of makeup applicators to a motion stabilization device, leveling device, or applicator stabilization unit.

To provide universal attachment of makeup applicators of various shapes and sizes, the applicator coupling element (or adapter) is configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator stabilizing unit via a bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are schematic diagrams showing several different types of makeup applicators spanning a range of shapes and sizes. FIG. 1A is a wide applicator that can be used to apply cream foundation, mask, base, or foundation. FIG. 1B is a fine tip swab applicator that can be used for gloss or eyeliner. FIG. 1C is a brush-tipped applicator for applying eye mascara. FIG. 1D is a brush applicator for face and eye makeup. Brushes can be small, medium, or large, and round, square, or tapered. FIG. 1E is a flat puff applicator for applying powder, body shimmer, or talcum powder.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are schematic diagrams showing several different types of makeup applicators spanning a range of shapes and sizes. Some makeup applicators, particularly those using brushes and puffs, may have a large handle diameter. The handle may be shaped for easy handling as in Figure 2A, or may be cylindrical with a long conical end as in Figure 2B, cylindrical with a capped end as in Figure 2C, or cylindrical with a short conical end as in Figure 2D.

Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic diagrams showing a makeup applicator inserted into a handle. The applicator may be a lip gloss brush or a mascara applicator. The handle may be tapered, as in Figure 3A, or cylindrical, as in Figures 3B and 3C.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a motion stabilization device. The motion stabilization device 400 may include a handle for easy holding of the device, as well as a pair of magnets 403 on either side of a linking component 405. The shape of the linking component 405 and the orientation of the two magnets 403 ensure a one-way link orientation with an external device. The motion stabilization device may include a circuit board 411 that includes a sensor, controller, and motor that controls the movement of the linking component 405 in response to detected tremor motion. The sensor detects hand motion, and the controller distinguishes between unwanted tremor and intended hand motion. To stabilize the makeup applicator, the controller directs the motor to move the makeup applicator in the opposite direction of any detected tremor.

Figure 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 one-way coupling orientation with an external device. The leveling device can include a circuit board 511 that includes sensors, controllers, and motors that control the movement of the linking component 521 to keep it level throughout the range of motion of the leveling device. The sensors detect variations in three dimensions from the intended hand motion. To level the makeup applicator, the controller directs the motors to bend the flexible joints, keeping the attached makeup applicator at a right angle.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the applicator stabilization unit in a tilted position. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0085168 A1, incorporated herein by reference, describes the applicator stabilization unit in more detail. As shown in Figure 6, the linking component 621 of the applicator stabilization unit 600 is configured to bend between an upright position and a tilted position (as shown in Figure 6). This is achieved by a hinge mechanism contained within the linking component 621. Figure 6 shows that the hinge mechanism is a self-leveling/motion stabilizing hinge. Figure 7 is a diagram of the internal components of the applicator stabilization unit of Figure 6. Figure 7 shows a diagram of the internal components of the applicator stabilization 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. The applicator stabilization unit 600 includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 703 that may include a position sensor circuit 711, a reading circuit 713, a control circuit 715, and a communication interface 717, as understood in the art.

For example, as sensor circuitry 711, the PCBA may include at least one inertial sensor and at least one distributed motion sensor to detect unintended muscle movements and measure signals associated with these unintended muscle movements that are generated when a user adversely affects the movement of the makeup applicator. These sensors also detect movement of the stabilized output to the unit. In response to the signals, the control circuitry transmits voltage commands to the motion generating elements to cancel the user's tremors or unintended muscle movements. This cancellation maintains and stabilizes the position of the applicator, keeping it stable.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the systems and methods according to the present invention can utilize a variety of implementations of control circuitry and sensor circuitry while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the control circuit 715 comprises an electrical system capable of generating an electrical response from the sensor input, such as a programmable microcontroller or field programmable gate array (FPGA). In one embodiment, the control circuit includes an 8-bit ATMEGA8A programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel due to its overall low cost, low power consumption, and ability to be utilized in high volume applications.

In one embodiment, 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 the two. 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 circuitry, control circuitry, and motion generating elements can be a closed-loop control system that senses motion and acceleration at various points in the system and feeds detailed information to a control algorithm that appropriately moves the motion generating elements to cancel the net effect of the user's unintended muscle movements, thus stabilizing the position of the makeup applicator. The motion and details of the elements of the control system and control algorithm are understood in the art, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0052275 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The communications interface 717 may include a network controller, such as the BCM43342 Wi-Fi, Frequency Modulation, and Bluetooth combo chip from Broadcom, for interfacing with a network.

The linking component 621 of the applicator stabilization unit 600 may have two drive elements that allow three-dimensional movement of the receiver as an anti-running movement. The two drive elements include a y-axis drive element 705 and an x-axis drive element 707, each of which is coupled to and controlled by the PCBA 703. Each of the drive elements may be a servo motor, as understood in the art. The applicator stabilization unit 600 further includes a connector 505 configured to mate with an adapter. The connector 505 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 709, which may be configured to read an RFID tag and may be included in the makeup applicator.

8 is a diagram of an alternative configuration of the internal components of the applicator stabilizing unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the applicator stabilizing unit 600, in which the coupling component 621 includes an electromagnetic positioner 811 instead of the drive element shown in FIG. 7. The electromagnetic positioner 811 can include U-shaped magnetic cores 809 disposed around a non-magnetic tube 805 filled with a magnetic fluid 813. Each of the magnetic cores has an arm portion surrounded by a winding 807. The magnetic cores function as a controllable active magnetic field generating structure controlled by a control circuit in the PCBA 703 and used to generate a variable magnetic field acting on the magnetic fluid, displacing the magnetic fluid and thereby allowing the armature to move to a desired coordinate position and/or orientation. Details of the implementation of the electromagnetic positioner 811 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,161, which is incorporated herein by reference. The applicator coupling element can be configured to removably attach a makeup applicator to the applicator stabilizing unit. The applicator coupling element can be configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator stabilizing unit by any of several types of connections, 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 include at least a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to removably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizing unit. The first attachment portion removably attaches 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 removably attaches to the applicator stabilizing unit via a different one of the bayonet coupling, a friction fit coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling, or a threaded coupling.

The applicator coupling element may include at least a first attachment portion configured to removably attach the makeup applicator to the applicator coupling element and a second attachment portion configured to removably attach the applicator coupling element to the applicator stabilizing unit. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion include a bayonet coupling component, a friction fit coupling component, a magnetic coupling component, a snap fit coupling component, or a threaded coupling component.

9 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling element (adapter) having multiple detents for rotation of the element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element 900 can have a diameter sufficient to accommodate a makeup applicator that is inserted into a handle. The base portion 901 can include an opening 921 shaped to receive the coupling component 405 of the motion stabilization device 400. Although the drawing in FIG. 9 shows the opening as having an hourglass cross-section, the opening can be other shapes, including but not limited to an oval.

The base portion 901 may include a pair of magnets 923 to ensure proper orientation of the applicator coupling element 900 with the motion stabilizing device 400. In particular, the polarization of the magnets 923 may be such that in the proper orientation, the magnets 403 are attracted to the corresponding magnets 923. In the improper orientation, the magnets 403 are repelled by the magnets 923. The magnetic force between the magnets 923 and 403 is used to hold the applicator coupling element 900 to the motion stabilizing device 400. The base portion 901 has a cylindrical exterior shape to facilitate coupling with the end 907. The base portion 901 may take on alternative shapes, including an hourglass shape or a tapered shape, to accommodate an end 907 with a reduced or enlarged diameter.

The applicator coupling element 900 includes multiple detents that allow fine adjustment of the angle at which the applicator is positioned relative to the motion stabilizer 400. In FIG. 9, a first detent 903 allows rotation 913 relative to the base 901. A second detent 905 allows rotation 915 relative to the first detent 903. The detents can include one or more springs to apply force to the detents. The first and second detents 903, 905 can be configured as locking detents with an arrangement of equally spaced detents 931 around the circumference of the annulus. The detents 931 allow for one-way rotation direction 913. The amount of angular rotation between the locked positions depends on the number of detents 931. By having two detents 903, 905, the angle of rotation between the locked positions can be halved, allowing for finer control. In one embodiment, the detents 931 are wedge-shaped to facilitate rotation between the locked positions. In an alternative embodiment, the detents are rectangular teeth that are inserted into grooves in the corresponding abutting arrangement of the components. The detents 903, 905 and base 901 can be made of plastic or a metal alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum.

The opening 909 in the end 907 is shaped and sized to receive a makeup applicator having a handle. The opening 909 may have a circular cross-section such that the opening 909 is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the opening 909 may have a rectangular cross-section. Protrusions 911 may be disposed inside the opening 909 to hold the makeup applicator in place. The protrusions 911 may be equally spaced in a linear arrangement about the inner circumference of the opening. There may be two or more linear arrangements along the depth of the opening. The protrusions 911 may be randomly disposed on the inner surface of the opening. The end 907 may be made of a soft compressible material such as rubber. In some embodiments, the protrusions 911 may be rubber. In some embodiments, the protrusions 911 may be positioned to accommodate makeup 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.

10 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling unit (adapter) having multiple detents for rotation of 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 coupling component 405 of the motion stabilizer 400. The base portion 1001 may include a pair of magnets 1023 to ensure correct orientation of the adapter 1000 with the motion stabilizer 400. In particular, the polarization of the magnets 1023 may be such that in the proper orientation, the magnets 403 are attracted to the corresponding magnets 1023. In the improper orientation, the magnets 403 are repelled by the magnets 1023. The magnetic force between the magnets 1023 and 403 is used to hold the adapter 1000 to the motion stabilizer 400.

The applicator coupling unit 1000 includes a number of detents that allow fine adjustment of the angle at which the makeup applicator rotates relative to the central axis of the motion stabilizer 400. In FIG. 10, the first detent 1003 allows rotation 1013 relative to the base 1001. The second detent 1005 allows rotation 1015 relative to the first detent 1003. The first and second detents 1003, 1005 can be configured as locking detents with an arrangement of equally spaced detents 1031 around the circumference of the annulus. The detents 1031 allow rotation in one direction. In one embodiment, the detents 1031 are wedge shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the detents are rectangular tooth shapes that are inserted into grooves in abutting arrangements on the corresponding components. The detents 1003, 1005 and the base 1001 can be made of plastic.

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

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an applicator coupling unit (adapter) having a single detent for rotation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Applicator coupling element 1100 is similar in structure to applicator coupling element 900, but includes only a single detent 1103.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element (adapter) having a single detent for rotation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Applicator coupling element 1200 is similar in structure to applicator coupling element 1000, but includes only a single detent 1203.

13 is a perspective view of an alternative applicator coupling element (adapter) having a smaller diameter than the applicator coupling elements of FIGS. 9-12. The applicator coupling element 1300 may be of a smaller diameter to accommodate a leveler or stabilizing device having a smaller coupling interface. Similar to elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, the applicator coupling element 1300 includes a base portion 1301 that may include an opening 1321 shaped to receive the coupling component 505 of the applicator stabilizing unit 500. The base portion 1301 may include a pair of magnets 1323 to ensure correct orientation of the applicator coupling element 1300 with the applicator stabilizing unit 500. In particular, the polarization of the magnets 1323 may be such that in the proper orientation, the magnets 503 are attracted to the corresponding magnets 1323. In the improper orientation, the magnets 503 are repelled by the magnets 1323. The magnetic force between magnets 1323 and 503 is used to hold applicator coupling element 1300 to applicator stabilization unit 500.

The applicator coupling element 1300 may include a detent that allows adjustment of the angle at which the makeup applicator is positioned relative to the applicator stabilizing unit 500. In some embodiments, the applicator coupling element 1300 may include multiple detents to fine-tune the rotation angle of the makeup applicator. In FIG. 13, the detent 1303 allows rotation 1313 relative to the base 1301. The detent 1305 may be configured as a locking detent having an arrangement of equally spaced stops 1331 around the circumference of the annulus. The stops 1331 allow rotation in one direction. In one embodiment, the stops 1331 are wedge-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the stops are rectangular tooth shapes that are inserted into grooves in abutting arrangements on the corresponding components. The detents 1303 and base 1301 may be made of plastic.

The opening 1309 in the end 1307 is sized to receive a small diameter makeup applicator, such as a wand. Ribs 1311 may be disposed inside the opening 1309 to hold the makeup applicator in place. The ribs 1311 may be evenly spaced in a circular arrangement around the inner circumference of the opening. The ribs 1311 may extend the entire depth of the opening. The end 1307 may be made of a soft, compressible material, such as rubber.

14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a motion stabilization device and an applicator coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The magnetic force between magnets 923 and 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 apply a motion to the connector 405 that induces a vertical angular movement 1401 of the applicator coupling element 900.

15 is a schematic diagram showing the coupling relationship between the leveling device or applicator stabilization unit and the applicator coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The magnetic force between magnets 1323 and 503 is used to hold the applicator coupling element 1300 to the leveling device 500 or applicator stabilization unit 600 when the connector 505 is inserted into the opening 1321. The leveling device 500 is configured to apply a motion to the connector 505 that causes a vertical angular motion 1501 of the applicator coupling element 1300. The vertical angular motion 1501 is a larger range of motion than the vertical angular motion 1401, which allows the applicator coupling element 1300 to remain level across various orientations of the leveling device.

16 is a schematic diagram showing the coupling relationship of a motion stabilizer, an applicator coupling element (adapter), and a makeup applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Applicator coupling elements (adapters) 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 can be used to couple a makeup applicator having a wide diameter, such as applicators 101, 205, or attached to a wide diameter handle, such as 301, 303, 305, to the motion stabilizer 400. Detents 903 allow the applicator coupling elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 to rotate and lock at a rotation angle 1013. Multiple detents can be used to allow the viewfinder to control the rotation angle 1013.

17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling relationship of a leveling device or applicator stabilization unit, an applicator coupling element (adapter), and a makeup applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The applicator coupling element (adapter) 1300 can be used to couple a makeup applicator such as applicators 103, 105, 107, 201, 203 to the leveling device 500 or the applicator stabilization unit 600. Detents 1303 allow the applicator coupling element 1300 to be rotated and locked at a rotation angle 1313.

The applicator coupling elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 can be provided in a variety of sizes so that the motion stabilization device 400 can be used with a small diameter makeup applicator, or the applicator stabilization unit 1300 can be used with a larger diameter makeup applicator, or can be inserted into a handle.

Figures 18A-18C show different embodiments using the applicator stabilization unit 500 with different applicators, such as a nail polish applicator in Figure 18A, a mascara brush in Figure 18B, and a lipstick applicator in Figure 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 (13)

1. An apparatus having an adapter for connecting any one of a variety of makeup applicators for applying makeup to a motion control device for directing movement of the makeup applicator, comprising:
a base component having a base connection for connecting the adapter to the motion control device in a specific orientation;
an end component having an end connector for connecting the adapter to the makeup applicator;
the end component has a central axis passing through its center and is rotatably mounted about the central axis to the base component having structure for locking the end component at a particular rotation angle about the central axis;
the end component is made of a soft compressible material;
the base connector has an elliptical or hourglass shaped cross section;
the structure for locking the end component at a particular angle of rotation about the central axis is a lockable detent that allows incremental rotation in one direction and locks to prevent rotation in the reverse rotational direction;
The detents include a first detent and a second detent;
the first detent permits a first rotation relative to the base component;
the second detent permits a second rotation relative to the first detent;
The apparatus , wherein the first rotation and the second rotation are independently rotatable . the base coupling includes a pair of magnets positioned on opposite sides of the base coupling;
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of magnets has a first polarization that attracts the motion control device in one orientation and repels the motion control device in another orientation. The device of claim 1, wherein the end connector for connecting the adapter to the makeup applicator includes an opening for inserting and holding the makeup applicator within the opening. The device of claim 3 , wherein the opening for holding the makeup applicator includes a plurality of rubber protrusions projecting inwardly of the opening for gripping the makeup applicator. The device of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of rubber projections are arranged in at least two annular patterns. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the opening for holding the makeup applicator includes a plurality of equally spaced ribs extending inwardly of the opening and extending a depth of the opening for gripping the makeup applicator . The device of claim 1, wherein the end component is interchangeable with other end components having openings of different sizes and shapes. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a sensor, a controller and a motor for controlling the movement of the linked components of the motion control device,
The sensor detects hand movements such that the controller distinguishes between unwanted tremors and intended hand movements;
The controller directs the motor to move a makeup applicator in a direction opposite to the detected tremor. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a sensor, a controller and a motor for controlling the movement of the linked components of the motion control device,
the sensor detects changes from three-dimensional hand movements;
A motion control device , the controller directing the motor to move the makeup applicator based on the change to keep the makeup applicator level. The device according to claim 1, comprising a sensor circuit and a control circuit,
the sensor circuitry detects unintended muscle movement and measures a signal associated with the unintended muscle movement;
The control circuitry is responsive to the signal to cancel the unintended muscle movement. The device of claim 3 , wherein the opening for holding the makeup applicator is cylindrical. The device of claim 3 , wherein the opening for holding the makeup applicator tapers to a smaller diameter from an entrance to the opening. The device of claim 3 , wherein the opening for holding the makeup applicator is rectangular in cross section.