Retractable mascara brush

Abstract

A retractable mascara applicator that can be operated with one hand. The applicator has a pen-like housing containing a mascara reservoir. An applicator rod is reciprocable in the housing and extends into the reservoir from a rearward end. A brush on a forward end of the rod is positioned in the reservoir when the rod is in a retracted position and projects beyond the housing when the rod is extended. A finger operated slide outside of the housing is connected directly with the applicator rod to retract it and extend it. In a preferred embodiment at least a portion of the housing is pliable and can be pressed inwardly to squeeze the reservoir and press the mascara paste against the brush.

1 . A retractable mascara applicator that can be operated with one hand, comprising:
 a pen-like housing containing a mascara reservoir with mascara paste in it;   an applicator rod reciprocable in the housing and extending into the reservoir from a rearward end thereof;   a brush on a forward end of the rod positioned in the reservoir when the rod is in a retracted position and projecting beyond the housing when the rod is extended;   a finger operated slide outside of the housing connected directly with the applicator rod to extend it and retract it; and   at least a portion of the housing being pliable so that it can be pressed inwardly to squeeze the reservoir and press the mascara paste against the brush.   
   
   
       2 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 wiper elements are at a forward end of the reservoir for wiping excess mascara from the brush as it is extended forwardly out of the reservoir and housing.   
   
   
       3 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the applicator rod has a spirally twisted shape and rotates the brush as the applicator rod is extended and retracted relative to the housing.   
   
   
       4 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein:
 the pen-like housing is tubular and has a closed end and an open end, said reservoir being adjacent said open end and said applicator rod extending into a chamber adjacent said closed end; and   a seal is disposed between said reservoir and said chamber to prevent said mascara paste from moving from the reservoir into the chamber, said applicator rod extending through said seal.   
   
   
       5 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein:
 a longitudinally extending slot is formed in a side of said housing in communication with said chamber; and   a web is connected at an inner end thereof with a rearward end of said applicator rod and extends radially outwardly through said slot and is connected at an outer end thereof with said slide.   
   
   
       6 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein:
 wipers are positioned at a forward end of said reservoir and adjacent said open end of said housing to wipe excess mascara paste from the brush as the brush is moved outwardly of the housing through the open end thereof.   
   
   
       7 . A retractable mascara applicator as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein:
 a removable and replaceable cap is on the open end of the housing to close it until the applicator is ready for use.