Method and apparatus for transferring nonoriented mascara applications

Abstract

A method and apparatus are shown for transferring, storing, sorting and orienting nonoriented mascara applicators, each applicator having a stem and a brush. The apparatus includes a bowl having a spiraled ramp positioned along the inner wall for transporting the applicators along the ramp from the bottom of the bowl to the top of the bowl. The applicators are then transferred to an accumulator wheel which includes: two sides and a circumferential edge therebetween and a slot formed in the circumferential edge, the slot having a first and a second side and a width therebetween. The width of at least one portion of the slot is approximately equal to the diameter of the brush. The slot tapers to form a stabilizing portion; the stabilizing portion has a width approximately equal to the diameter of the stem. Advantageously, either end of the mascara applicator can be removably housed in the wheel. The apparatus also includes an orienting device comprising a shuttle having a main compartment and a receiving slot on one end thereof and a stem slot on the opposite end thereof. Advantageously, an applicator may be transferred into the shuttle in either a brush-end first or a stem end first position. Due to the arrangement of the slots, the applicators are disposed over a transfer tube in a brush-end first position.