Cosmetic container

Abstract

In one embodiment, a cosmetic container for accommodating at least one sachet is provided. The container includes a refillable and removable sleeve that holds at least one sachet. The container includes a spring that biases a platform that holds the sachet in place so that when the container is opened, a user can take a sachet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to small hand-held containers, and more particularly to cosmetic containers that allow a user to remove a single-dose applicator pouch. Background Art

[0002] Small cosmetic containers are well known in the industry. However, there is always a need to design and form uniquely designed cosmetic containers manufactured to solve a purpose. As opposed to cosmetic containers that contain open cosmetics that can dry out or spill. Thus, the industry has developed cosmetic containers that house pre-packaged single-dose pouches. These pouches can contain applicators, wet wipes, or creams for use on the face or hands and then discarded. However, the containers that house these single pouches are often unfriendly and do not easily allow for refilling of a single dose. Therefore, relative to the prior art, there is a need for an invention that can provide a cosmetic container that is easy to use and easy to refill. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cosmetic container for housing at least one pouch. The container includes a lid hingedly connected to a base along a rear portion of the container. The base can be defined as including a base lower surface that terminates at a base edge. Continuous base sidewalls extend upwardly from the base edge to define a base well therebetween. The base sidewalls extend to an upper edge of the base sidewalls. The container further includes a spring that is fixed at one end to the base lower surface and the spring has another distal end fixed to a platform such that the spring biases the platform away from the base lower surface. The container also includes a base sub-structure that is fitted and fixed within the base well. The sub-structure has a top ridge that extends radially inwardly towards a circular recess and then towards an inner peripheral edge. An inner surface wall extends downwardly from the inner peripheral edge towards a lower ridge that extends radially inwardly, wherein the lower ridge is adjacent to the base lower surface and defines a sub-well between the inner surface walls. At least one channel extends from the inner peripheral edge along the inner surface wall to the lower ridge. Each of the at least one channels further includes a longitudinally oriented notch near the lower ridge. A sleeve is removably fitted into the base sub-structure. The sleeve is defined as including a top surface area that extends inwardly to a sleeve sidewall that extends downwardly to define a sleeve well. The top surface area further has a raised overhanging lip that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well. A side opening below the top surface area is configured to receive at least the pouch. At least one protruding handle is positioned on an outer side of the sleeve sidewall and is configured to slide within the channel and the notch. Wherein the sleeve is configured to be removed from and fixed within the sub-structure. Finally, at least one pouch that is shaped to be received within the sleeve well and when the lid is in an open configuration, the at least one pouch is removable from between the platform and the raised overhanging lip defined on the sleeve.

[0004] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve further includes a circular extension that is below the top surface region and surrounds the end edge, and the circular extension is sized to fit into a circular recess defined in the top ridge of the sub-structure, so that when the sleeve well part is assembled to the sub-hole well part, the sleeve can rotate around the sub-structure.

[0005] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one channel includes two channels located around the inner surface wall at the distal end, and each channel individually houses a protruding handle defined on the sleeve. It is also possible that at least one channel is wider near the inner circular edge and tapers to a narrower opening near the lower ridge.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the cap includes: a cap top surface that extends to the cap end edge; a cap shoulder section that extends downward from the end edge towards the base and terminates at the cap shoulder lip; and a cap inner surface defined around the cap top surface, and the cap inner surface is configured to include a recessed profile. The recessed profile on the cap inner surface is configured to accommodate a raised portion defined on the sleeve.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, the sub-structure has an outer surface wall that extends to a height above the upper edge of the base side wall, and the outer surface wall is configured to prevent the upper edge of the base side wall from contacting the cap shoulder lip when the container is in the closed configuration, thereby defining a gap between the cap and the base.

[0008] In different embodiments, the cosmetic container can define a base side wall that is configured to include gaps along the upper edge of the base side wall and along the rear portion to accommodate a flange that extends from the cap, and the flange is aligned with an opening for a pin to form a hinge pin.

[0009] In yet another different embodiment, the cosmetic container can include a hanging stop that extends on the sub-well part and is configured to contact a part of the bottom ridge to prevent the sleeve from being completely removed from the sub-structure, and the bottom ridge is defined at the bottom of a side opening in the sleeve.

[0010] In yet a further embodiment, a cosmetic container for accommodating at least one sachet can be provided. The container can be defined as having:

[0011] (a) A lid that is connected to a base sub-structure along the rear portion of a container by a hinge; (b) A base sub-structure that is defined to include: a lower surface of the base sub-structure that terminates along an outer sidewall that extends upward to a top ridge that extends radially inwardly toward a circular recess and then extends toward an inner peripheral edge, the base sub-structure further including an inner surface wall that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge toward the lower surface of the base sub-structure to define a sub-well portion between the inner surface walls; at least one channel that extends from the inner peripheral edge along the inner surface wall toward the lower surface of the base sub-structure, the at least one channel further including a longitudinally oriented notch near the lower surface of the base sub-structure; (c) A sleeve removably assembled into the base sub-structure; the sleeve is defined to include: a top surface region that extends inward to a sleeve sidewall that extends downward to define a sleeve well portion, the top surface region further having a raised overhanging lip that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well portion; a side opening below the top surface region that is configured to receive at least one sachet; and at least one protruding handle that is positioned on the outer side of the sleeve sidewall and is configured to slide in the channel and the notch, whereby the sleeve is configured to be removed from and fixed within the sub-structure; (d) A spring that is fixed at one end to the lower surface of the base sub-structure and has another distal end fixed to a platform such that the spring biases the platform away from the lower surface of the base sub-structure; and (e) At least one sachet that is shaped to be received within the sleeve well portion and is removable when the lid is in an open configuration.

[0012] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and its embodiments, from the claims, and from the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above can be more fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a front view of a cosmetic container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a rear view of a cosmetic container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5Perspective view of a cosmetic container in an open configuration and with the sachet removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 Perspective view of a cosmetic container in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 Perspective view of a cosmetic container in an open configuration and with the sleeve rotated to be separated from the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 Partial exploded view showing the separation of the sleeve from the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 9 Another partial exploded view showing the separation of the sleeve from the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 10 Partial exploded view showing the separation of the sleeve from the base, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of the separation of the sleeve from the base, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 12 Perspective view of a spring and a platform, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 13 Exploded view of a container, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 14 Cross-sectional view of the separation of the sleeve from the base, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Although the present invention admits of many different forms of embodiments, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is considered to be an exemplification of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the present invention and / or the claims of the illustrated embodiments.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 1 to 13 , which shows a cosmetic container 100. Although the illustrated shape of the container is an octagonal polygon, the actual shape of the container may vary while maintaining the function of the container 100. The container includes a lid 105, which is connected to a base 110 by a hinge pin 115 along a rear portion 120 of the container 100.

[0030] The lid 105 includes a top surface 130 that extends to a terminal edge 132. A shoulder segment 134 extends downward from the terminal edge toward the base 110 and terminates at a shoulder lip 136 along the entire shoulder segment 134. Additionally, an inner surface 138 of the top surface 130 includes a recessed profile 140 to accommodate a raised portion 182 (described in more detail below) defined on the sleeve 180.

[0031] As provided, the lid 105 is hinged to the base 110. The base 110 includes a lower surface 160 that terminates at a base edge 162 and then extends upward along a base sidewall 164 to form a well 166 therebetween. The base sidewall 164 extends to a sidewall upper edge 168. The base sidewall 164 also includes a gap 170 along the upper edge 168 and along a rear portion 120 to accommodate a flange 172 extending from the lid 105 that is aligned with an opening for a pin 174 to form a hinge pin 115. The lower surface 160 houses a spring 176 that is compressed between the lower surface 160 and a platform 178. The spring 176 biases the platform away from the base such that when a pouch 200 is removed, the platform 178 pushes up the next pouch.

[0032] As described above, the container 100 includes a sleeve 180 that is removable from the base 110. This is achieved by including a substructure 210 that is fitted and secured within a well 166 defined by the base 110. The substructure 210 includes a top ridge 212 that extends radially inward toward an inner peripheral edge 214. An inner surface wall 216 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge 214 toward a lower ridge 218 that extends radially inward. The lower ridge 218 is adjacent to the lower surface 160. This also forms a sub-well 220. The inner surface wall 216 includes a channel 222 that extends from the inner peripheral edge 214 to the lower ridge 218. The channel 222 is wider near the inner peripheral edge 214 and tapers to a narrower opening near the lower ridge 218. The channel 222 further includes a notch 224 adjacent to the channel at the lower ridge 218. This allows the sleeve 180 to slide downward and rotate to be fixed in place. Additionally, the substructure 210 has an outer surface wall 226 that extends at a height above the upper edge 168 of the base sidewall 164 when the substructure 210 is positioned within the base well 166. This prevents the upper edge 168 from contacting the shoulder lip 136; thereby leaving a gap 228 between the lid and the base when in a closed configuration.

[0033] The sleeve 180 includes a top surface region 184 that extends inwardly into a sleeve well portion 186, which has defined sleeve well portion sidewalls 188. The sleeve well portion 186 is shaped to receive a sachet. As described above, the top surface region 184 further includes a raised portion 182 having a curved profile 183 that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well portion 186 to hold the sachets downward against the force of a spring. The sleeve well portion sidewalls 188 include side openings 189 below the top surface region 184 to allow replacement of the sachets. Additionally, the exterior of the sleeve well portion sidewalls 188 includes a pair of protruding handles 190 that are positioned such that each handle slides within a channel 222 and a notch 224 of the sub-structure 210.

[0034] Finally, below the top surface region 184, there is a circular extension 192 around a terminal edge 194 that is sized to fit within a circular recess 213 in the sub-structure, such that when the sleeve well portion 186 is fitted within the sub-well portion 220, the sleeve 180 is able to rotate around the sub-structure even though the outer profile is polygonal. The protruding handles 190 that act within the channel and notch provide rotation stops to prevent over-rotation or misalignment of the sleeve.

[0035] Further, it is possible that the sub-structure and the base are integrally molded together to prevent separation or to facilitate production.

[0036] For use of the container 100, the user rotates the sleeve and pulls upward to gain access to the side opening 189 for refilling the sachet. In one embodiment, the sleeve can be completely removed, but it is possible to prevent removal of the sub-structure. In Figure 14 this, the sub-structure 210 includes a hanging stop 215 that is configured to engage a bottom ridge 187 defined at the bottom of the side opening 189 to prevent removal of the sleeve from the sub-structure 210, but still allow access to the opening for refilling the sachet.

[0037] From the foregoing and as described above, it is observed that many variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It should be understood that no limitation as to the embodiments shown herein is intended or should be inferred. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container for receiving at least one sachet, comprising: A lid that is connected to a base by a hinge along a rear portion of the container; Wherein, the base is defined to include: A base lower surface terminating at a base edge; continuous base sidewalls extending upward from the base edge to define a base well therebetween; and the base sidewalls extending to an upper edge of the base sidewalls; A spring having one end fixed to the base lower surface and having another distal end fixed to a platform such that the spring biases the platform away from the base lower surface; a base sub-structure that is assembled into and fixed within the base well; wherein, the sub-structure is defined to include: A top ridge that extends radially inwardly towards a circular depression and then towards an inner peripheral edge; an inner surface wall that extends downwardly from the inner peripheral edge towards a lower ridge that extends radially inwardly, wherein the lower ridge is adjacent to the base lower surface and defines a sub-well between the inner surface walls; at least one channel that extends along the inner surface wall from the inner peripheral edge to the lower ridge, the at least one channel further including a longitudinally oriented notch near the lower ridge; A sleeve that is removably assembled into the base sub-structure; the sleeve is defined to include: A top surface area that extends inwardly to a sleeve sidewall that extends downwardly to define a sleeve well; the top surface area further having a raised overhanging lip that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well; a side opening below the top surface area that is configured to receive at least one sachet; and at least one protruding handle that is positioned on an outer side of the sleeve sidewall and is configured to slide within the channel and the notch, whereby the sleeve is configured to be removed from and fixed within the sub-structure; and At least one sachet that is shaped to be received within the sleeve well and is removable from between the platform and the raised overhanging lip defined on the sleeve when the lid is in an open configuration.

2. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve further includes a circular extension that is located below the top surface area and surrounds a terminal edge, the circular extension being sized to fit into a circular depression defined on the top ridge of the sub-structure, such that when the sleeve well is assembled into the sub-well, the sleeve is capable of rotating around the sub-structure.

3. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one channel includes two channels that are located distally around the inner surface wall, each channel respectively receiving a protruding handle defined on the sleeve.

4. The cosmetic container according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one channel gradually narrows into an opening from near the inner peripheral edge to near the lower ridge.

5. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein, The lid includes: a lid top surface that extends to a lid end edge; a lid shoulder segment that extends downward from the end edge toward the base and terminates at a lid shoulder lip; and a lid inner surface defined around the lid top surface, the lid inner surface being configured to include a recessed profile.

6. The cosmetic container according to claim 5, wherein, The sub-structure has an outer surface wall that extends to a height above the upper edge of the base sidewall, the outer surface wall being configured to prevent contact between the upper edge of the base sidewall and the lid shoulder lip when the container is in a closed configuration, thereby defining a gap between the lid and the base.

7. The cosmetic container according to claim 5, wherein, The recessed profile on the lid inner surface is configured to receive a raised portion defined on the sleeve.

8. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein, The base sidewall includes a gap along the upper edge of the base sidewall and along the rear portion to receive a flange that extends from the lid and is aligned with an opening for a pin to form a hinge pin.

9. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, the cosmetic container further comprising a hanging stopper that extends over the sub-well portion, and the hanging stopper being configured to contact a portion of the bottom ridge to prevent the sleeve from being completely removed from the sub-structure, the bottom ridge being defined at the bottom of the side opening in the sleeve.

10. A cosmetic container for accommodating at least one sachet, comprising: a lid that is connected to a base sub-structure by a hinge along a rear portion of the container; wherein the base sub-structure is defined to include: a base sub-structure bottom surface that terminates along an outer sidewall that extends upward to a top ridge that extends radially inward toward a circular depression and then toward an inner peripheral edge, the base sub-structure further including an inner surface wall that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge toward the base sub-structure bottom surface to define a sub-well portion between the inner surface walls; at least one channel that extends from the inner peripheral edge along the inner surface wall toward the base sub-structure bottom surface, the at least one channel further including a longitudinally oriented notch near the base sub-structure bottom surface; a sleeve that is removably fitted into the base sub-structure; the sleeve being defined to include: a top surface area that extends inward to a sleeve sidewall that extends downward to define a sleeve well portion, the top surface area further having a raised hanging lip that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well portion, a side opening below the top surface area that is configured to receive at least one sachet; and at least one protruding handle that is positioned on the outer side of the sleeve sidewall and is configured to slide in the channel and the notch, whereby the sleeve is configured to be removed from and fixed within the sub-structure; and a spring having one end fixed to the base sub-structure bottom surface and having another distal end fixed to a platform such that the spring biases the platform away from the base sub-structure bottom surface; At least one sachet, the at least one sachet being shaped to be received within the sleeve well portion and, when the lid is in the open configuration, the at least one sachet being removable from between the platform and the raised overhanging lip defined on the sleeve.

11. The cosmetic container according to claim 10, wherein, The sleeve further includes a circular extension located below the top surface region and surrounding the end edge, the circular extension being sized to fit into a circular recess defined on the top ridge of the substructure such that when the sleeve well portion is assembled into the sub-well portion, the sleeve is capable of rotating about the substructure.

12. The cosmetic container according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one channel includes two channels located distally around the inner surface wall, each channel respectively receiving a protruding handle defined on the sleeve.

13. The cosmetic container according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one channel tapers into an opening from near the inner peripheral edge to near the lower ridge.

14. The cosmetic container according to claim 10, wherein, The lid includes: a lid top surface that extends to a lid end edge; a lid shoulder segment that extends downward from the end edge toward the base and terminates at a lid shoulder lip; and a lid inner surface defined around the lid top surface, the lid inner surface being configured to include a recessed profile.

15. The cosmetic container according to claim 14, wherein, The recessed profile on the lid inner surface is configured to receive a raised portion defined on the sleeve.

16. The cosmetic container according to claim 10, wherein, The substructure base sidewall includes a gap along the upper edge of the base sidewall and along the rear portion to receive a flange extending from the lid, and the flange is aligned with an opening for a pin to form a hinge pin.

17. The cosmetic container according to claim 10, the cosmetic container further including a hanging stop that extends over the sub-well portion and is configured to contact a portion of the bottom ridge defined at the bottom of the side opening in the sleeve to prevent the sleeve from being completely removed from the substructure.

18. A cosmetic container for receiving at least one sachet, comprising: A lid that is connected to a base by a hinge along a rear portion of the container; Wherein, the base is defined to include: A base lower surface that terminates at a base edge; continuous base sidewalls that extend upward from the base edge to define a base well portion therebetween; and the base sidewalls extend to a base sidewall upper edge; A spring having one end fixed to the base lower surface and having another distal end fixed to a platform such that the spring biases the platform away from the base lower surface; a base substructure that is assembled into and fixed within the base well portion; wherein, the substructure is defined to include: A top ridge that extends radially inwardly towards the circular recess and then towards the inner peripheral edge; an inner surface wall that extends downwardly from the inner peripheral edge towards the lower ridge, the lower ridge extending radially inwardly, wherein the lower ridge is adjacent to the base lower surface and defines a sub-well portion between the inner surface walls; at least one channel that extends along the inner surface wall from the inner peripheral edge to the lower ridge, the at least one channel further including a longitudinally oriented notch near the lower ridge; A sleeve that is removably assembled into the base sub-structure; the sleeve is defined to include: A top surface area that extends inwardly to a sleeve side wall, the sleeve side wall extending downwardly to define a sleeve well portion; the top surface area further having a raised overhanging lip that hangs over a portion of the sleeve well portion; a side opening below the top surface area that is configured to receive at least one pouch; and at least one protruding handle that is positioned outside the sleeve side wall and is configured to slide in the channel and notch, whereby the sleeve is configured to be removed from and fixed within the sub-structure; At least one pouch that is shaped to be received in the sleeve well portion and is removable from between the platform and the raised overhanging lip defined on the sleeve when the lid is in the open configuration; and Wherein the sleeve further includes a circular extension that is located below the top surface area and surrounds the end edge, the circular extension being sized to fit into a circular recess defined on the top ridge of the sub-structure, such that when the sleeve well portion is assembled into the sub-well portion, the sleeve is able to rotate around the sub-structure.

19. The cosmetic container according to claim 18, wherein, The lid includes: a lid top surface that extends to a lid end edge; a lid shoulder segment that extends downwardly from the end edge towards the base and terminates at a lid shoulder lip; and a lid inner surface defined around the lid top surface that is configured to include a recessed profile.

Images