Shock absorber for cosmetic compact

Abstract

A shock absorber member is provided in a cosmetic compact to isolate a pan containing cosmetic product such as a pressed powder foundation, from impacts and vibration that might cause the product to crack or crumble. The shock absorber has at least two arched portions suspending the pan in a clearance in a base of the cosmetic compact. The arched portions are sufficiently resilient to allow the pan to move within the clearance relative to the base. The arched portions prevent shocks, impacts or vibrations from being transmitted to the pan from the base.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority / benefit of provisional application U.S. 60 / 807,261, filed Jul. 13, 2006FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to cosmetic product packages that include shock absorbing means. In particular, the present invention is directed to compact cases with solid or semi-solid cosmetic products pressed or caste in a support pan. More particularly, the invention is directed to the means for isolating the product containing pan from external shock.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0003]Compacts for solid or semi-solid cosmetic products generally comprise a base and a corresponding cover. The base has at least one cavity dimensioned to receive the cosmetic. A shallow plastic or metal pan containing the solid or semi-solid cosmetic product is secured in the cavity. The solid or semi-solid cosmetic product may be, for example, a pressed or caste powder, a semi-solid paste, or a cake-like consistency. The category of cosmetic may be, for example, a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The present invention is directed to means for dampening shocks, impacts and vibration transmitted from the base of a cosmetic compact to a pan supported within the compact. The pan is adapted to contain solid or semi-solid cosmetic, e.g., a pressed powder, which is susceptible to damage in the form of cracking or crumbling, or in the worst case, release from the pan. The shock absorbing means minimizes or eliminates damage to the cosmetic product caused by external shock, impact or vibration. The pan is positioned in a clearance in the base large enough to provide for an air gap about the pan. The shock absorbing means comprises at least two arcuate, resilient portions extending across the gap to connect the pan to the base. One arcuate portion is directed along a first axis, and the second arcuate member is directed along a second axis transverse to the first. The arched portions are sufficiently resilient to allow the pan to move relative to the base to a degree that prevents shock, impact or vibration from being transmitted from the base to the pan.

[0020]Thus, two embodiments of a cost effective, mass produce-able shock absorbing means are provided for a cosmetic compact case. Either embodiment can readily be adapted for installation in existing compact case designs. The shock absorbing means effectively prevent pressed powder cosmetics from fracturing.

Problems solved by technology

During shipping or during the normal lifespan of the product, the compact may be subjected shocks or impacts, for example, when the compact is accidentally dropped.

Some formulations of solid and semi-solid cosmetics provided in shallow trays are susceptible to cracking and / or crumbling when the cosmetic case is subjected to external shock, vibration or impact.

Clearly, a cracked or crumbled cosmetic product is undesirable as it presents a negative impression to a consumer.

Furthermore, the cracked or crumbled cosmetic may negatively impact the performance of the product.

For example, cracked or crumbled product may load unevenly onto an applicator (e.g., a brush or a pad).

This in turn may lead to an undesirable and unattractive distribution of product on the user's skin.

Accordingly, there does not appear to be a gap of sufficient dimension to provide for lateral movement of the pad in the box.

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