Paper dispenser for cosmetics

Abstract

A dispenser includes a housing having an interior space and a push cup movable within the interior space of the housing. A sleeve is disposed within the interior space at a location between the cap and the push cup.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 075,715, filed September 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Packaging for cosmetics generates significant amounts of waste. Traditionally, many cosmetic containers or dispensers have been made of plastic or glass. For example, deodorants, such as commercial cream deodorants, were initially packaged in wide-mouthed jars and applied by fingertips. Subsequently, roller-type applicator packaging was used to apply deodorants, operating in a manner similar to a ballpoint pen. Currently, stick deodorants are the most popular form of deodorant packaging and applicators used today. Deodorant containers / dispensers are typically plastic-based. Another example is lipstick, which uses a similar mechanism and packaging to deliver the cosmetic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Paper, such as molded fiber, cellulose, or pulp, is biodegradable and recyclable. Paper containers used in cosmetics are environmentally friendly and ideal compared to plastic or glass containers. However, current paper containers are made from multiple parts that need to be glued together, and the manufacture of these bottles is complex and expensive, involving significant use of adhesives (e.g., glue) and time. The use of adhesives during assembly presents many challenges. This can be slow, especially when adhesives need to be applied to narrow paths, as is the case with pulp bottles or containers, resulting in low production yields and high costs. Furthermore, adhesive properties are susceptible to factors that can be difficult to control, including humidity, temperature, compression, and setting time.

[0005] Therefore, a paper-based dispenser for cosmetics is needed. Additionally, an improved method for dispensing cosmetics is required, which has a mechanical structure without introducing additional connecting parts.

[0006] The embodiments described herein can address the aforementioned needs by providing a paper dispenser for cosmetics, i.e., a paper-based dispenser for cosmetics, such as a paper-based device, and a method of using the device, which can deliver cosmetics by incrementally moving them upwards or downwards.

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a dispenser including a housing, a cap on top of and engaged with the housing, and a push cup at the bottom of and engaged with the housing, the cap, housing, and push cup defining an interior space, with a die-cut cardboard located within the interior space and between the cap and push cup. In some embodiments, the dispenser also includes cosmetic products located on top of the push cup within the interior space. In some embodiments, the die-cut cardboard defines a gap. In some embodiments, the cosmetic product is located within the gap. In some embodiments, the push cup engages with the die-cut cardboard and is configured to move upward and / or downward. In some embodiments, the cosmetic product moves together with the push cup.

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown and described only by illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure. As will be appreciated, the disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and certain details thereof can be modified in various obvious ways without departing from the disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the dispenser includes a housing having an internal space and a pusher cup movable within the internal space of the housing. A sleeve is arranged within the internal space, positioned between the lid and the pusher cup.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, cosmetics are arranged adjacent to the push cups upward within the interior space.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the cosmetic and the push cup can move together within the interior space of the housing.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the sleeve has a hollow interior, and the cosmetic is disposed within the hollow interior.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the push cover engages with the sleeve such that the push cover and the sleeve are operable to move together upward and / or downward within the interior space of the housing.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the sleeve includes a plurality of openings, and the push cup engages with the plurality of openings.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the push cup includes a plurality of tabs, at least one of which can be received within a plurality of openings to connect the push cap to the sleeve.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the push cup includes a plurality of tabs, at least one of which is configured to engage the sleeve.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the sleeve is a perforated sleeve.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a liner is provided within the interior space and extends to the end of the housing.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the cosmetic is arranged within the interior space, with a pad disposed between the cosmetic and the housing.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a nozzle mounted at the end of the housing is included, wherein the nozzle forms the outlet of the dispenser.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the nozzle outlet is smaller than the orifice at the end of the housing.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a cover is included that is movably mounted to the end of the housing.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, at least one of the housing and the push cup is formed of a paper-based material.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, at least one of the housing and the push cup is formed of a pulp-based material. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The novel features of this disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of this disclosure will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments utilizing the principles of this disclosure, along with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A An example of a dispenser according to one implementation is provided;

[0027] Figure 1B A top view of the dispenser of Figure 1 according to one embodiment is provided;

[0028] Figure 2A Another example of a dispenser according to one implementation is shown;

[0029] Figure 2B A top view of the dispenser according to one embodiment of Figure 2 is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of a dispenser according to one embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded view of another distributor according to one implementation is provided;

[0032] Figure 5 A bottom perspective view of a dispenser according to one embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 An example of die-cut cardboard according to one embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 7A Another exemplary die-cut cardboard is shown prior to assembly according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7B It describes an implementation method. Figure 7A A 3D view of the die-cut cardboard after assembly;

[0036] Figure 8A A perspective view of an exemplary pusher cup during molding according to one embodiment is shown;

[0037] Figure 8B An embodiment is shown. Figure 8A A side view of the cup being pushed;

[0038] Figure 8C This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 8A A side view of the cup being pushed;

[0039] Figure 9A A partial cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to one embodiment is shown;

[0040] Figure 9B An embodiment is shown. Figure 9A An enlarged view of the distributor;

[0041] Figure 10A A perspective sectional view of a dispenser according to one embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 10B A cross-sectional view of another example dispenser according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0043] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of yet another example dispenser according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure this disclosure. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a dispenser 100 is shown. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the dispenser 100 includes a lid 110, a housing 112, and a pusher cup 114. One or more of the lid 110, housing 112, and pusher cup 114 are formed of a paper-based material, such as a pulp-based material. In some embodiments, the housing 112 may be made of roll paper material. In some embodiments, the lid 110, housing 112, and pusher cup 114 may be based on fiber, paper, or paper foam. In some embodiments, the lid 110, housing 112, and pusher cup 114 may be made of thermoformed pulp.

[0046] The housing 112 is an outer shell having a generally hollow internal space. A cover 110 is movably connected to a first end 111 of the housing 112 to seal an open opening at the first end 111. In one embodiment, the cover 110 is removably connected to the housing 112. In such an embodiment, the cover 110 may be detachable from the housing 112, or alternatively, the cover 110 may be connected to the housing 112, for example, via a hinge. All or at least a portion of the pusher cup 114 may be accommodated within the internal space of the housing 112. During assembly or manufacturing, the pusher cup 114 is typically mounted within the internal space near the opposite second end 113 of the housing 112. However, during use of the dispenser 100, the pusher cup 114 is configured to move within the hollow interior, for example, towards the first end of the hollow interior.

[0047] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Another example of an allocator is shown. Similar to... Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn one embodiment, the dispenser 200 includes a lid 210, a housing 212, and a pusher cup 214. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, where the lid 110 and housing 112 are generally circular, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, the lid 210 and / or housing 212 are generally elliptical. Although the lids 110, 210 and housings 112, 212 are shown to have substantially similar shapes, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the external shape of the lids 110, 210 may differ from the shape of the portion of the housings 112, 212 configured to connect to the lids 110, 210. The housings 112, 212 may be molded, or alternatively, may be formed from roll paper material. In some embodiments, the lids 110, 210, housings 112, 212, and pusher cups 114, 214 may be based on fibers, paper, or paper foam. In some embodiments, the covers 110, 210, the housings 112, 212, and the push cups 114, 214 may be made of thermoformed slurry.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 3 The dispenser 300 shown has a cap 310, a housing 312, and a pusher 314 similar to those described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In one embodiment, the cap 310, housing 312, and pusher 314 are paper-based, such as pulp-based. As shown, the dispenser 300 may additionally include a sleeve 316 and a cosmetic 318, such as a stick. As shown, the cosmetic 318 may be received in the hollow interior or gap of the sleeve 316, and both the cosmetic 318 and the sleeve 316 may be received within the interior space of the housing 312. In one embodiment, the cosmetic 318 may be dispensed from the dispenser 300 via a hole formed at a first open end 311 of the housing 312.

[0049] Figure 4 The dispenser 400 shown includes a cover 410, a housing 412, a push cup 414, a sleeve 416, and a cosmetic 418. Figure 3The corresponding components of the dispenser 300 are substantially the same. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, one or more, for example all, of the cap 410, housing 412, and pusher 414 are paper-based, such as pulp-based. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the dispenser 400 also includes a nozzle 420. As shown, the nozzle 420 is typically located near the first end 411 of the housing 412, for example, at a location between the housing 412 and the cap 410. In such an embodiment, the nozzle 420 may be permanently or removably mounted within the dispenser 400. The outlet of the nozzle 420 is typically smaller than the orifice at the first end 411 of the housing 412. Furthermore, although the nozzle 420 is illustrated as having a narrow outlet, it should be understood that embodiments with a larger outlet are also within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments of the dispenser 400 including the nozzle 420, cosmetic 418 is dispensed from the housing 412 via the nozzle 420. Thus, in one embodiment, the nozzle 420 is suitable for a less viscous cosmetic 418, such as toothpaste.

[0050] Now go to Figure 5 Another example of a dispenser 500 is shown, which includes a cap 510, a housing 512, a pusher 514, a die-cut cardboard 516, and a cosmetic 518 (not shown), such as a balm stick. The cap 510, housing 512, pusher 514, sleeve 516, and cosmetic 518 may be substantially similar to those described in the foregoing embodiments. Figure 5 As best shown, when the push cup 514 is installed inside the housing 512, the push cup 514 engages with the sleeve 516 and is configured to be completely retained within the internal space of the housing 512.

[0051] Figure 6 An example of a die-cut cardboard 600 with variablely formed sleeves 316, 416, and 516 as described above is shown. As shown, the die-cut cardboard 600 has a base 610 and a plurality of openings 612 formed in the base 610. The plurality of openings 612 can be arranged to form one or more predetermined patterns. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of openings 612 are arranged in rows and columns. Figure 7A and Figure 7B In another embodiment of the similar die-cut cardboard 700 shown, a plurality of openings 712 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and inclined relative to the base 710.

[0052] like Figure 7BAs best illustrated herein, the die-cut cardboard 700 is convertible before being installed into the housing of a dispenser, such as any dispenser described herein. In a variant or usage configuration, the die-cut cardboard 700 is formed as a sleeve. In this configuration, the cardboard sleeve 700 can be inserted into the interior space of the housing and can be attached to the interior of the housing by adhesive or other suitable fasteners. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the sleeve is typically conical or truncated conical in shape. However, embodiments in which the sleeve 700 has another shape, such as cylindrical, circular, or novel shapes, are also contemplated herein. When the cardboard is formed as a sleeve, a plurality of inclined openings 712 form one or more predetermined patterns, such as spiral patterns, on a base 710, and each opening 712 forms a corresponding spiral slot on the base 710.

[0053] The sleeve 700 can be formed by rolling up one or more sheets of paper that form the cardboard base 710. Alternatively, the sleeve 700 can be formed by fiber thermoforming in a die. The opening 712 formed in the cardboard base 710 can be formed before or after the sleeve is formed, for example by embossing or laser cutting, or alternatively by one or more dies.

[0054] Now refer to Figures 8A-8B A more detailed illustration is shown with reference to Figure 1- Figure 5 Examples of similar push cups 800 are described below. As shown, the push cup 800 includes a base 810 and a plurality of substantially identical tabs 812 projecting from the base 810, for example, from the outer periphery of the base 810. Although the plurality of tabs 812 are shown projecting downward relative to the base 810 at an angle, for example, at an angle of approximately 30 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, or approximately 60 degrees, it should be understood that the tabs 812 can be formed at any suitable angle, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the push cup 800 is formed with a draft angle in the open position to generate a spring force during use. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of tabs 812 are separated from each other, for example, equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the base 810. The plurality of tabs 812 may be sized such that there is an opening 814 between adjacent tabs 812.

[0055] In one embodiment, the pusher cup 800 is a molded part and may have the shape it was molded into, such as Figure 8A As shown. The push cup 800 can be formed by any suitable method or combination of methods, including but not limited to, paper thermoforming, die-cutting and folding or shaping for use, paper formed on a mandrel, injection molding and blow molding. In one embodiment, the base 810 of the push cup 800 includes a push platform or topology configured to receive or support the cosmetic. As will be described in more detail below, the push cup 800 can be formed to interlock with a sleeve.

[0056] The Push Cup 800 can be transformed from its molded configuration to its in-use configuration, such as... Figure 8C As shown. In the usage configuration, the pusher cup 800 is configured to move within the dispenser, for example, within the internal space of the housing. The pusher cup 800 is flexible because it can change its shape due to external pressure and / or geometric constraints. For example, the tab 812 of the pusher cup 800 can be bent inward to allow the pusher cup 800 to transition between the molding configuration and the usage configuration. Due to this movement, the opening 814 can become larger than... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The configuration shown in the molding diagram is narrower than that shown in the diagram. Alternatively or additionally, the base 810 may be shaped due to external pressure and / or geometric constraints. For example, the perimeter of the base 810 may be varied, for example, having a longer or shorter perimeter in use compared to the perimeter during molding.

[0057] Now go to Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of a dispenser similar to any of dispensers 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 is partially shown, which has a housing 912, a push cup 914, a sleeve 916 and a cosmetic 918. Figure 9B An enlarged view of the engagement of the push cup 914 and the sleeve 916 is shown. In one embodiment, a slot / opening 920 formed in the sleeve 916 provides a mechanism for moving the push cup 914 (along with the cosmetic) up and down within the housing 912. For example, a tab 922 of the push cup 914 may be configured to engage with an opening or slot 920 formed in the sleeve 916.

[0058] In one embodiment, the distal or free end of the tab 922 protrudes into and engages with an adjacent opening 920 to connect components. When external pressure is applied to the push cup 914, for example by twisting or pushing the push cap 914, the tab can disengage from the slot / opening and move laterally, upward, or downward. These features and this engagement can be achieved through the flexibility of the paper-based push cup 914 and the sleeve 916. Alternatively or additionally, the molded topology of the push cup 914 can provide the structure and spring force that facilitates engagement of the tab 922 of the push cup 914 with the slot or opening 920 formed in the sleeve 916.

[0059] like Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, in one embodiment, the tab 922 on the pusher cup may include locking edges 924 that can snap into slots or recesses (openings) 920 formed on the cardboard sleeve 916. In one embodiment, these locking edges 924 may include feet located at and projecting from the distal or free end of the tab 922. These feet may be configured to engage and mate with a corresponding edge of the opening 920.

[0060] When the user pushes the pusher upward relative to the sleeve (e.g., when the dispenser includes a pusher such as...), Figure 3 , 4 When using the sleeve shown in Figure 6, the pusher cup's tab (or locking edge or spring teeth) can snap into the opening on the cardboard sleeve. This connection between the pusher cup and the sleeve holds the pusher cup in a stable position within the interior space of the housing and prevents the pusher cup from moving accidentally downwards.

[0061] In some implementations, the distributor includes, for example: Figure 7B The sleeve shown. The helical slot of the sleeve provides a track through which the pusher cup's tabs (or locking edges or spring teeth) slide. Therefore, the helical slot limits the upward and downward movement of the pusher cup within the housing.

[0062] Turn now Figures 10A-10B Different cross-sectional views or perspective views of the example dispenser are shown. Dispenser 1000 may be similar to any of the aforementioned dispensers. Figure 9A It shows Figure 10B A partial view. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, dispenser 1000 includes a liner 1030 configured to protect the housing or external structure 1012, for example at a first end 1011 of the housing or external structure 1012, from contamination or discoloration from cosmetics 1018, such as deodorant or lipstick. The liner 1030 may be a thin-walled insert made of a polymer, a biodegradable resin, or collapsed coated paper / fiber. The liner 1030 may be flexible and may provide a barrier against deodorant or lipstick as the product is consumed and the push cup 1014 is moved upwards. The liner 1030 may be formed by any suitable method, including but not limited to melt phase forming technology, deep drawing thin-wall thermoforming, thermoforming, blow molding or stretch molding, and injection molding. In other embodiments, the liner 1030 may be formed from polymer-coated paper or from a paper structure with embedded chemicals operable to form a barrier.

[0063] Now go to Figure 11 The example dispenser includes a pad 1130 and a larger hole 1132 (similar to...). Figure 3 (As shown) or a small nozzle (similar to) that holds solid products (such as deodorant) or less viscous products (such as toothpaste). Figure 4 shown).

[0064] It should be understood from the foregoing that although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications are possible and contemplated herein. This disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific examples provided in the specification. Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustration of embodiments herein are not intended to be construed as limiting.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, and are subject to various conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail to the embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated that this disclosure will also cover any such modifications, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising: A housing defining a first end and a second end, and having an internal space formed between the first end and the second end; A push cup, which is movable within the internal space of the housing; as well as A sleeve, the sleeve being disposed within the internal space, at a position between the first end and the second end. The sleeve is formed by rolling cardboard into a shape having a circular cross-section at both the first and second ends. The sleeve includes multiple openings, and the push cup engages with the multiple openings. The push cup includes a plurality of protrusions, at least one of which is receptable within the plurality of openings to connect the push cup to the sleeve; the push cup engages with the sleeve such that the push cup and the sleeve are operable to move together upward and / or downward within the internal space of the housing, and When the push cup is pushed upward relative to the sleeve, the protrusion pops out from the plurality of openings and engages with the plurality of openings to hold the push cup in a stable position within the internal space of the housing and to prevent the push cup from moving downward accidentally.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1 further includes cosmetics, which are arranged upwards adjacent to the push cup within the internal space.

3. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein, The cosmetic and the push cup can move together within the internal space of the housing.

4. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein, The sleeve has a hollow interior, and the cosmetic is disposed within the hollow interior.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve is a perforated sleeve.

6. The dispenser of claim 1 further includes a liner disposed within the interior space and extending to an end of the housing.

7. The dispenser of claim 6 further includes a cosmetic product disposed within the internal space, and the pad being disposed between the cosmetic product and the housing.

8. The dispenser of claim 1 further includes a nozzle mounted at an end of the housing, wherein the nozzle forms an outlet of the dispenser.

9. The dispenser according to claim 8, wherein, The nozzle outlet is smaller than the orifice at the end of the housing.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a cover movably mounted to an end of the housing.

11. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the housing and the push cup is formed of a paper-based material.

12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the housing and the push cup is formed of a pulp-based material.

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