Refillable cosmetic product

Abstract

A cosmetic product may include: a housing having an edge forming an opening and including an inner cavity; a container coupling member operably coupled to the edge of the housing; and a removable container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to hold a cosmetic substance. The container coupling member includes a ring member defining an inner surface. The removable container is insertable into the inner cavity of the housing such that the inner surface of the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to cosmetic products, and more specifically to cosmetic products with refillable features. Prior Technology

[0002] Containers and storage devices for cosmetic products and / or substances can take on a variety of different configurations and shapes. For example, containers can be used to hold cosmetic substances in the form of moisturizers or serums. Such containers may include a removable and / or rotatable (e.g., flip-up) top or lid to allow users to access and use the cosmetic substances contained therein. Typically, such existing containers are in a one-piece, disposable shell form to provide stability during manufacturing and transportation. However, such configurations may not be reusable and may therefore lead to unnecessary waste. In other instances, products may have refillable containers. Such containers typically include a secondary component secured to the refillable container and / or require additional steps to disassemble and replace the container. Such disassembly and / or installation procedures may not only be time-consuming for users, resulting in an unpleasant user experience, but may also incur additional manufacturing and material costs due to the need for additional components.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved products with enhanced functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples within the scope of this disclosure pertain to the use of cosmetic products having ergonomic and replaceable features. A cosmetic product may include: a housing having an edge forming an opening and including an inner cavity; a container coupling member operatively coupled to the edge of the housing; and a removable container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to hold a cosmetic substance. The container coupling member includes a ring member defining an inner surface. The removable container is insertable into the inner cavity of the housing such that the inner surface of the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therein.

[0005] In some configurations, the ring member is at least partially constructed of an elastic material. In some instances, the ring member includes at least one inwardly guided support segment. In these and other instances, the ring member includes a first member and a second member, the first member including a ledge, the second member being operatively coupled to the first member, wherein the at least one inwardly guided support segment is formed on the second member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the removable container includes a flange adapted to rest on the ledge of the first member of the ring member. The first member may further include an externally threaded region. Additionally, in some methods, the edge of the housing defines a ledge sized to accommodate the lower portion of the first member, thereby operably coupling the container coupling member thereto.

[0007] In some methods, the first component and each of the second component form a generally annular shape.

[0008] In these and other examples, the first component may be composed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyketone, or polypropylene. Furthermore, in some examples, the second component is composed of at least one of polypropylene, polyketone, or polyethylene.

[0009] In some forms, the cosmetic product may further include a cap member adapted to cover one of the container cavities.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a cosmetic product comprising: a housing having an edge forming an opening, the housing including an inner cavity; a container coupling member operably coupled to the edge of the housing, the container coupling member including a ring member defining an internal dimension; and a removable container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to hold a cosmetic substance, the outer surface defining an external dimension larger than the internal dimension of the ring member; wherein the removable container is insertable into the inner cavity of the housing such that the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therein.

[0011] According to the third state, the technology described herein relates to a cosmetic product comprising: a housing having an edge forming an opening, the housing including an inner cavity; and a container coupling member operably coupled to the edge of the housing, the container coupling member including a ring member defining an inner surface, the ring member including at least one inwardly guided support segment adapted to frictionally engage a removable container when inserted therein. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0012] The above requirements are at least partially met by providing one, more than one, or any combination of refillable cosmetic products described in the following embodiments (especially when read in conjunction with the drawings), wherein: [Figure 1] A perspective view of example cosmetic products based on various examples; [Figure 2] A perspective view of the example cosmetic product of Figure 1 with the example cap removed, based on various examples; [Figure 3] A top perspective view of the cosmetic products shown in Figures 1 and 2, illustrating various examples; [Figure 4] A cross-sectional perspective view of the cosmetic products shown in Figures 1 to 3, illustrating various examples; [Figure 5] A cross-sectional elevation view of the cosmetic products shown in Figures 1 to 4, illustrating various examples; [Figure 6] A close-up cross-sectional front elevation view of the cosmetic products shown in Figures 1 to 5, illustrating various examples; [Figure 7] illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an example container coupling member for use with the example cosmetic products of Figures 1 to 6, according to various examples; [Figure 8] shows a top plan view of a portion of the coupling component of the container in the example of Figure 7, based on various examples; [Figure 9] shows a perspective view of an example container used in conjunction with the example cosmetic products of Figures 1 to 8, according to various examples.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size and / or relative positioning of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various examples. Furthermore, common but well-known elements that are useful and necessary in commercially available examples are generally not depicted to minimize obstruction of view of such examples. It will also be understood that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a specific sequence of occurrence; however, those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding sequence is not actually necessary. It will also be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as attributed to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art, as set forth above. Implementation

[0014] Typically, cosmetic product containers provided using these methods combine removable and refillable containers (e.g., bottles, jars, etc.) that can be replaced with minimal steps and effort. This system allows refillable containers to be assembled into the main product housing without attaching secondary and / or tertiary components to the refill container, thereby improving the recyclability and sustainability of the refillable components. These removable containers allow users to quickly and easily replace the primary cosmetic substance with a different cosmetic substance, such as when the primary cosmetic substance has been used or completely depleted. In other instances, removable containers allow users to replace different cosmetic substances with different properties (e.g., color, shelf-life characteristics, and / or any other characteristics) as needed. Notably, the cosmetic product containers described herein provide a quick and smooth removal and insertion procedure for the desired removable container.

[0015] Referring to the drawings, cosmetic product 100 is provided in the form of a can and / or a small container. Typically, cosmetic product 100 includes a housing 102, a container coupling member 120, and a removable container 140. In some examples, cosmetic product 100 may additionally include a cap member 150.

[0016] The housing 102 includes an inner cavity 102a, sized to receive and / or otherwise accommodate at least a portion of the removable container 140. The housing 102 further includes an edge 106 forming an opening 106a, and may additionally include a container shelf 108 at or near the edge 106. The housing 102 can be constructed of any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, glass, metal, plastic, or any combination of such materials. In some configurations and as illustrated, the housing 102 may be presented in a cage-like form, including any number of features that may increase the rigidity and / or aesthetic properties of the cosmetic product 100. It should be understood that in other configurations, the housing 102 may take any desired shape and / or form.

[0017] The container coupling member 120 is in the form of a ring member 122, which defines an inner surface 122a. More specifically, in some embodiments, the ring member 122 may include a first member 124 having a first member bracket 126 and a second member 130 operatively coupled to the first member. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first member 124 and the second member 130 have a generally annular shape. However, other configurations are possible. In these embodiments, the inner surface 122a is formed on the second member 130. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the ring member 122 may be in the form of a single, integral member.

[0018] The container coupling member 120 may be made wholly or partially of a flexible and / or other elastic material. For example, in some configurations, the container coupling member 120 may be made wholly or partially of a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyketone (PK), or any other combination of different plastics. In some examples, the first member 124 may be made of one or more of PP, PK, or PE, and the second member 130 may be made of one or more of PETG, PK, or PE. This allows the first member 124 to have greater rigidity (i.e., less flexibility and / or elasticity) than the second member 130. Other configurations are possible. The container coupling member 120 may be formed via injection molding, two-shot molding, and / or overmolding processes to further enhance its flexibility.

[0019] The first member 124 includes a lower portion 124a, a first member bracket 126, and, in some instances, an externally threaded region 128. The second member 130 is operatively coupled to the first member 124 and includes several inwardly guided (e.g., extending) support segments 132. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 through 6, the second member 130 is typically inserted into a portion of the first member 124 (e.g., a recess or other guiding structure). In some instances, the first member 124 may be operatively coupled to the second member 130 via adhesive, sonic welding, and the like. Other instances are feasible.

[0020] As previously described, the second member 130 includes any number of support segments 132. When the second member 130 is at rest or in other unbiased configurations (i.e., when the removable container 140 is not coupled thereto), these support segments 132 extend inward toward the central region of the second member 130. When a force is applied thereto, the elasticity of the support segments 132 (or, in some instances, the second member 130 as a whole) allows the support segments 132 to bend, deflect, or otherwise move outward. Notably, as illustrated in FIG3, when the second member 130 is operatively coupled to the first member 124, a gap 134 is formed at the support segment 132 between the inner surface of the first member 124 and the outer surface of the second member 130. This gap 134 allows the support segment 132 to displace outward when a force is applied thereto.

[0021] The removable container 140 includes an outer surface 142, a container cavity 144 for selectively holding cosmetic substance 10, and a flange 146 surrounding its opening 140a. The removable container 140 can be constructed from any number and / or combinations of suitable materials, such as, for example, glass, metal, polymers, and the like. As illustrated, in some instances, the removable container 140 may have a generally cup-shaped or other cylindrical body, but other instances of suitable shapes and / or configurations are also possible. The removable container 140 may have a generally curved or chamfered transition to enhance user comfort when holding it.

[0022] The removable container 140 can be manufactured using any number of procedures and / or methods. More specifically, in some instances, the removable container 140 can be constructed as a single piece, and its size can be designed to hold any desired amount of cosmetic substance 10 (e.g., between about 5 ml and about 500 ml as needed).

[0023] For assembling the cosmetic product 100, the second member 130 of the ring member 122 can be inserted into or otherwise secured to the first member 124. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the second member 130 abuts against an internal support frame 127 formed on the first member 124. The ring member 122 can then be coupled to the housing 102 by positioning the lower portion 124a of the first member 124 within a container frame 108 formed by the edge 106. Any suitable method (such as, for example, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and the like) can be used to secure the ring member 122 to the housing 102. Other examples are possible.

[0024] In some alternative methods, edge 106 may further include a second ledge 110. The second ledge 110 may accommodate a portion of the second member 130. In this configuration, the container ledge 108 and the second ledge 110 prevent the ring member 122 from moving downward into the cavity 102a, thereby holding the ring member 122 in the desired position.

[0025] In this configuration, as shown in FIG3, the support segments 132 extend inward into the inner cavity 102a of the outer casing 102. The diameter of these support segments 132 is smaller than the corresponding outer diameter of the removable container 140. Therefore, when the removable container 140 is inserted into the inner cavity 102a of the outer casing 102 (and thus into the ring member 122), the outer surface 142 of the removable container 140 contacts the support segments 132 and pushes them outward, thereby reducing the overall size of the gap 134 formed between the first member 124 and the second member 130. The elasticity of the support segments 132 applies an inward frictional force to the outer surface 142 of the removable container 140, thereby preventing the removable container 140 from being disassembled without sufficient disassembly force. When the flange 146 abuts against the first member bracket 126, the removable container 140 is fully seated within the inner cavity 102a, which prevents the removable container 140 from being further inserted into the inner cavity 102a.

[0026] In the illustrated example, three support segments 132 are positioned equidistantly from each other. This configuration causes the support segments 132 to apply a uniform inward force to the removable container 140. It should be understood that any number of support segments 132 can be provided to vary the force distribution applied to the removable container 140.

[0027] The cap member 150 may be in the form of a cap. In the illustrated example, the cap member 150 includes a thread 152 that threadedly engages with the external threaded region 128 of the ring member 122 to secure and retain the cosmetic substance 10 within the container cavity 144. Other examples of coupling configurations between the cap member 150 and the container coupling member 120 may be provided, such as, for example, hinged coupling, friction-fit coupling, magnetic coupling, and the like. Other examples are feasible. It should be understood that in some examples, the configuration of the threaded regions of the cap member 150 and the first member 124 may be reversed, such that the cap member can be threadedly inserted into a portion of the first member.

[0028] As previously described, the removable container 140 (and therefore the cosmetic substance 10) can be placed within the housing 102 and is detachable from the housing. More specifically, when a user wishes to replace the removable container 140 with a different removable container 140, the user can simply push the removable container 140 out of the housing 102. In the illustrated example, the housing 102 includes several openings or holes through which the user can insert an object (e.g., a finger) to push the removable container 140 out of the cavity 102a. The user can then insert a new / different removable container 140 into the housing in a similar manner.

[0029] The procedure for replacing or refilling the removable container 140 can be completed in a single step, thus enhancing the usability of the cosmetic product 100. Users can use the single outer shell 102 for different purposes as needed, without discarding the entire cosmetic product 100, thereby reducing waste. Furthermore, the removable container described herein does not require additional components to be fixed to it before use, thus reducing costs and manufacturing time compared to containers with secondary components made of other materials that are fastened to them, while improving recyclability and sustainability, which may require additional steps to disassemble and replace the container (e.g., screwing in secondary components to lock the container in place, etc.).

[0030] It should be understood that in some instances (not shown), the removable container can have different shapes and / or configurations. For example, the container can be provided in a generally rectangular shape, a generally oval shape, a generally triangular shape, or any other desired shape.

[0031] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially composable if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0032] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent shall not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the accompanying claims, including any amendments made during the adjournment of this application and all equivalents of the claims granted thereto.

[0033] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like) may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises / comprising,” “has / having,” “includes / including,” “containing,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such procedure, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element preceded by "comprises …a", "has …a", "includes …a", or "contains …a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains that element. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the term "a / an" is defined as one or more. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about", or any other version thereof are defined as close to what is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as differing by less than 10%, in another less than 5%, in yet another less than 1%, and in yet another less than 0.5%. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection, and not necessarily a mechanical connection. A device or structure that is "configured" in some way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0034] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to allow readers to quickly understand the nature of this technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted on the premise that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, it can be seen that various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to make the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may exist in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the embodiments, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0035] Unless explicitly stated in conventional means-plus-function terms (such as "means for" or "step for") in the claims of (multiple) patent applications), the final patent application claims in this patent application are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f).

[0036] 10: Cosmetic Substances 100: Cosmetic products 102: Outer shell 102a: Internal cavity 106: Edge 106a: Opening 108: Container Wall Shelf 110: Second ledge 120: Container coupling component 122: Ring component 122a: Inner surface 124: First component 124a: lower part 126: First component scaffold 127: Internal support frame 128: External thread area 130: Second component 132: Support Section 134: Gap 140: Detachable container 140a: Opening 142: Outer surface 144: Container cavity 146: Flange 150: Cover component 152: Thread

Claims

1. A cosmetic product comprising: a housing having an edge forming an opening, the housing including an inner cavity; and a container coupling member operably coupled to the edge of the housing, the container coupling member including an annular member defining an inner surface, the annular member comprising: A first component including a wall shelf; and a second component operatively coupled to the first component, wherein at least one inwardly guided support segment is formed on the second component, at which a gap is formed between an inner surface of the first component and an outer surface of the second component, the gap allowing the support segment to displace outward when a force is applied thereto; and a removable container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to hold a cosmetic substance; wherein the removable container is insertable into the cavity of the outer casing such that the inner surface of the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to hold the removable container therein.

2. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the ring member is at least partially made of an elastic material.

3. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the removable container includes a flange that is adapted to rest on the shelf of the first member of the ring member.

4. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the first component further includes an external threaded region.

5. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the edge of the outer casing defines a shelf, the shelf being sized to accommodate the lower portion of the first member, thereby operably coupling the container coupling member thereto.

6. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein each of the first component and the second component forms a generally annular shape.

7. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the first component is composed of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyketone, or polypropylene.

8. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the second component is composed of at least one of polypropylene, polyketone, or polyethylene.

9. The cosmetic product of claim 1, further comprising a cap member adapted to cover the container cavity.

10. A cosmetic product comprising: a housing having an edge forming an opening, the housing including an inner cavity; and a container coupling member operably coupled to the edge of the housing, the container coupling member including a ring member defining an inner dimension, the ring member comprising: A first component including a wall shelf; and a second component operatively coupled to the first component, wherein at least one inwardly guided support segment is formed on the second component, at which a gap is formed between an inner surface of the first component and an outer surface of the second component, the gap allowing the support segment to displace outward when a force is applied thereto; and a removable container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to hold a cosmetic substance, the outer surface defining an external dimension larger than the internal dimension of the ring member; wherein the removable container is insertable into the cavity of the housing such that the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therein.

11. The cosmetic product of claim 10, wherein the ring member is at least partially made of an elastic material.

12. The cosmetic product of claim 10, wherein the removable container includes a flange that is adapted to rest on the shelf of the first member of the ring member.

13. The cosmetic product of claim 10, wherein the first component further includes an external threaded region.

14. The cosmetic product of claim 10, wherein the edge of the outer casing defines a shelf, the shelf being sized to accommodate the lower portion of the first member, thereby operably coupling the container coupling member thereto.

15. The cosmetic product of claim 10, wherein each of the first component and the second component forms a generally annular shape.

16. A cosmetic product comprising: a housing having an edge forming an opening, the housing including an inner cavity; and a container coupling member operatively coupled to the edge of the housing, the container coupling member including an annular member defining an inner surface, the annular member including at least one inwardly guided support segment adapted to frictionally engage a removable container when inserted therein; a first member including a shelf; and a second member operatively coupled to the first member, wherein the at least one inwardly guided support segment is formed on the second member, at the support segment, a gap is formed between an inner surface of the first member and an outer surface of the second member, the gap allowing the support segment to displace outward when a force is applied thereto.

Images