Cosmetic product container and holding mechanism

Abstract

A cosmetic product container and retention mechanism includes a cup and a cosmetic substance, the cup including a cup body and a ring. The cup body has a first end and a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity. The inner side wall comprises a first positioning notch. The ring is at least partially disposed within the cup cavity adjacent to the first positioning recess, and includes an inner ring surface and defines a ring cavity. The ring is comprised of a compressible material positionable in a first expanded configuration and a second compressed configuration. The cosmetic substance has a first end and a second end, and an elongate body between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the elongate body is disposed within the annulus. After at least a portion of the cosmetic substance is disposed within the ring cavity, the ring is then adapted to apply a retention force to the cosmetic substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cosmetic, hair care, body care and / or skin care products, and more particularly to systems or methods for containing and retaining such products. Background Art

[0002] Cosmetics, hair care, body care and / or skin care products can be provided in a variety of different containers and can be applied using a variety of different methods. As an example, a lipstick or lip balm product can be in the form of an elongated tube or cylinder disposed in a protective container. Such a container can allow the cosmetic substance to be selectively advanced to an extended position relative to the container to be applied by the user. The cosmetic substance can be a generally solid (but relatively soft) molded composition that can be inserted into the cavity of the retaining cup. In the event that the container is accidentally dropped or otherwise jostled, the cosmetic substance can become damaged, broken, or otherwise detached from the retaining cup. In some examples, the retaining cup (or other features of the container) can include a separate retaining member in the form of a hook, an elongated rib, or a similar component that can be pushed into the cosmetic substance in an attempt to prevent or otherwise limit the movement of the cosmetic substance relative to the cup and the container during these accidental drops or collisions. However, these features may produce local stress points that can ultimately deform or otherwise damage the cosmetic substance.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionality. Summary of the invention

[0004] Examples within the scope of the present disclosure relate to a cosmetic product container and a retaining mechanism that may include a cup and a cosmetic substance, the cup including a cup body and a ring. The cup body has a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity. The inner sidewall includes a first positioning notch. The ring is at least partially disposed in the cup cavity adjacent to the first positioning notch, and includes an inner ring surface and defines an annular cavity. The ring is composed of a compressible material that can be positioned in a first expanded configuration and a second compressed configuration. The cosmetic substance has a first end and a second end, and an elongated body between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the elongated body is disposed in the annular cavity. After at least a portion of the cosmetic substance is disposed in the annular cavity, the ring is then adapted to apply a retaining force to the cosmetic substance.

[0005] In some examples, when the ring is in the first expanded configuration, the ring defines an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension, and when the ring is in the second compressed configuration, the ring defines a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension. In addition, the elongated body of the cosmetic substance has an outer cross-sectional dimension greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension.

[0006] In some methods, the compressible material includes at least one of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE) without plasticizer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a copolyester elastomer. In these and other methods, the compressed inner cross-sectional dimension is between about 1.005 and about 1.5 times greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension.

[0007] In some aspects, the cosmetic product may further include an outer container having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity. The cup may be at least partially disposed within the container cavity. Additionally, in some examples, the cup body may include a second locating notch formed of an elastic material. The second locating notch may be deformed to allow the ring to be positioned adjacent to the first locating notch and the second locating notch. Additionally, the second locating notch may apply an urging force toward the cup cavity immediately after the cup is inserted into the container cavity.

[0008] In some forms, the ring may surround the entire outer circumference section of the cosmetic substance. In these and other forms, a cup retaining member may be provided, which is disposed on the outer surface of the cup body. The cup retaining member may be aligned with the ring.

[0009] In some examples, the ring may further include a base member.The first end of the cosmetic substance may abut the base member.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a cup for holding a cosmetic substance is provided, the cup comprising a cup body and a ring, the cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity. The inner sidewall of the cup body may include a first positioning recess. The ring is at least partially disposed within the cup cavity adjacent to the first positioning recess. The ring includes a ring inner surface and defines an annular cavity. The ring is composed of a compressible material that can be positioned in a first expanded configuration and a second compressed configuration. The ring can exert a retaining force on the cosmetic substance when in the expanded configuration to retain the cosmetic substance within the annular cavity.

[0011] According to a third aspect, a method of assembling a cosmetic product includes providing a cup, the cup including a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity, the inner sidewall including a first positioning recess; and at least partially positioning a ring within the cup cavity adjacent to the first positioning recess. The ring includes a ring inner surface, defines a ring cavity, and is composed of a compressible material, the compressible material can be positioned in a first expanded configuration, the ring thereby defining an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension, and the compressible material can be positioned in a second compressed configuration, the ring thereby defining a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension.

[0012] In some examples, the ring is then positioned in the second compressed configuration, and at least a portion of an elongated body of cosmetic substance is disposed within the ring cavity. The cosmetic substance has a first end, a second end, and an elongated body extending between the first end and the second end. After the at least a portion of the elongated body of cosmetic substance is disposed within the ring, the ring is moved to the first expanded configuration, thereby applying a retaining force to the cosmetic substance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above requirements are achieved by providing one, more than one, or any combination of the following embodiments (especially in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 The present invention is at least partially satisfied by a cosmetic product container and a holding mechanism thereof, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a front elevation view of an example cosmetic product according to various examples;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a device having an example retaining mechanism according to various examples Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an example cosmetic product;

[0016] Figure 3 Showing various examples Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism;

[0017] Figure 4 Showing various examples Figure 3 a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an example retaining mechanism;

[0018] Figure 5 Shows various examples before compression Figures 1 to 4 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism;

[0019] Figure 6 shows the compression according to various examples Figures 1 to 5 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism;

[0020] Figure 7 Shows the following example after the insertion of the cosmetic substance Figures 1 to 8 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism;

[0021] Figure 8 Shows the appearance of the cosmetic substance after insertion and after expansion according to various examples. Figures 1 to 7 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism; and

[0022] Fig. 9After the retaining mechanism is coupled to the inner body, the Figures 1 to 8 A partial cross-sectional side elevation view of an example retaining mechanism.

[0023] It will be understood by those skilled in the art 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 certain elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various examples. In addition, common but well-known elements that are useful and necessary in commercially available examples are generally not depicted, so as to facilitate reducing the obstruction of vision for these various examples. It will be further understood that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a specific order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding order is not actually required. It will also be understood that unless different specific meanings have been proposed herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the common technical meanings given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art, as described above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Generally speaking, according to these various methods, a cosmetic container and a holding mechanism are provided so that the cosmetic substance is properly retained during use and in the event of an accidental drop and / or impact. The methods described herein provide for secure retention of the cosmetic substance while reducing or eliminating potentially harmful stress areas. Thus, the systems described herein can be used to contain and retain a variety of cosmetic substances having varying degrees of material softness.

[0025] Turning to the accompanying drawings, a cosmetic product 100 is provided for containing and applying a cosmetic substance 101. The cosmetic product 100 includes a base 102, a track 108, an inner body 112, a housing 116, and a retaining mechanism 120. In the example shown, the cosmetic substance 101 is in the form of a lipstick or lip balm product. It should be understood that the cosmetic substance 101 can be any type of cosmetic, hair care, body care and / or skin care product that can be applied to a user. Other examples are feasible. In some of these examples, the cosmetic substance 101 may contain strong or additional corrosive chemicals and / or solvents, such as, for example, volatiles. The cosmetic substance 101 includes a first end 101a, a second end 101b, and an elongated body 101c extending along a longitudinal axis ("A") between the first end and the second end. In addition, the cosmetic substance 101 defines an outer cross-sectional dimension ("DO"). In the example shown, the outer cross-sectional dimension DO is in the form of an outer diameter or circumference. However, other examples are feasible.

[0026] In general, the base 102 at least partially holds the components of the cosmetic product 100 in the base cavity 103. The base cavity 103 defines a ledge 104 formed on an inner surface, and also includes a secure fastening mechanism 105 formed on an outer surface thereof. The secure fastening mechanism 105 can be used to engage a portion of a cover (not shown) to conceal the cosmetic substance 101 for storage purposes. Any number of suitable secure fastening mechanisms 105 can be used, such as, for example, a friction fit coupling, a threaded connection, and the like. Other examples are possible.

[0027] Track 108 is at least partially disposed within base cavity 103 and includes a first end 108a and a second end 108b and defines a channel 109. An inner body (which may be referred to as an outer container in some examples) 112 is at least partially disposed within base cavity 103 and includes an inner surface 113 and a recess 114. Housing 116 is also at least partially disposed within base cavity 103 and is provided to prevent a user from viewing these components. Housing 116 includes a lip 117 that engages a portion of inner body 112 to limit movement in a direction along longitudinal axis A. It should be understood that any of base 102, track 108, inner body 112, and / or housing 116 may include any number of additional features and / or components to assist in the use of cosmetic product 100, but for the sake of brevity, such features and / or components will not be discussed in substantial detail herein.

[0028] A holding mechanism 120 is provided to securely hold the cosmetic substance 101. The holding mechanism 120 includes a cup 122 having a cup body 124 and a ring 134. The cup body 124 includes a first end 124a, a second end 124b, an inner sidewall 124c, and a cup cavity 125. Generally speaking, the cosmetic substance 101 is at least partially disposed within the cup cavity 125. The cup body 124 also includes a first positioning recess 126, a second positioning recess 128, and a cup holding member 130. In some examples, the first positioning recess 126 is relatively rigid and / or non-flexible. In addition, in some examples and as Figures 3 to 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second positioning recess 128 is bendable, pivotable, or flexible in other ways around the base region 128 a. The second positioning recess 128 further includes a protrusion 129 .

[0029] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9, the second positioning recess 128 is adapted to selectively engage the inner body 112. More specifically, after the cup body 124 is disposed within the inner body 112, the inner surface 113 of the inner body 112 contacts the protrusion 129 of the second positioning recess 128 and causes the second positioning recess 128 to rotate or pivot inwardly about the base area 128a. After the cup body 124 is coupled to the inner body 112, the cup retaining member 130 is positioned within the recess 114 of the inner body 112 to prevent or otherwise limit relative movement between the inner body 112 and the cup body 124. So arranged, both the first and second positioning recesses 126, 128 extend inwardly into the cup cavity 125.

[0030] The ring 134 is at least partially positioned within the cup cavity 125 and includes a ring inner surface 134a and defines the ring cavity 135. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 4 to 9 As shown in , the ring 134 can be positioned adjacent to or near the first positioning notch 126 of the cup body 124, which helps prevent the ring 134 from advancing in the direction along the longitudinal axis A. The ring 134 is made of a compressible or other flexible material that can provide sufficient support for the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the ring 134 can be made of the following: a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE) without a plasticizer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a copolyester elastomer. Other examples are possible. In any of these examples, the ring 134 can be positioned in a first expanded configuration (e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 5 ) and a second compressed configuration (e.g. Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0031] When the ring 134 is positioned in the first expanded position, the ring 134 defines an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension DE ( Figure 3 ). In addition, when the ring 134 is positioned in the second compressed position, the ring 134 defines a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension DC ( Figure 6 ). In some examples, the compressed inner cross-sectional dimension DC is between about 1.005 times and about 1.5 times greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension DE. Other examples are possible. In some examples, after being compressed, the ring 134 can fully expand and return to the first expanded position after about 20 seconds. It should be understood that this return time may be longer or shorter depending on the desired performance, strength and / or material composition of the ring 134 and allowing the cosmetic substance 101 to be correctly and completely inserted into the ring cavity 135. As a non-limiting example, the ring 134 may have a foaming capacity as low as about 0.2 g / cm 3 of average density and up to 80% resistance.

[0032] refer to Figures 3 to 9To assemble the retaining mechanism 120 and the cosmetic product 100, the ring 134 is inserted into the cup cavity 125 and positioned adjacent to the first positioning recess 126. In some examples, the ring 134 is inserted at the first end 124a of the cup body 124, toward its second end 124b. In some methods, the cup body 124 can then be coupled to the inner body 112, with the second positioning recess 128 extending inwardly into the cup cavity 125, thereby maintaining the ring 134 in a relatively fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis A ( Fig. 9 ). However, in other examples, the cup body 124 may not be coupled to the inner body 112 at this time.

[0033] refer to Figures 5 to 9 , a compression tool 10 (such as a rod) can be inserted into the second end 124b of the cup body 124. In the example shown, both the compression tool 10 and the ring include angled or chamfered leading edges 10a, 136, respectively, to allow the compression tool 10 to be inserted into the ring cavity 135 of the ring 134. After the compression tool 10 is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis A toward the first end 124a of the cup body 124, the ring 134 is compressed to a compressed position, whereby after the compression tool 10 is removed, the ring inner surface 134a defines a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension DC ( Figure 6 ).

[0034] like Figure 7 As shown in , the first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101 is then inserted into the cup cavity 125 and the (compressed) annular cavity 135. Since the compressed inner cross-sectional dimension DC is larger than the outer cross-sectional dimension DO of the cosmetic substance 101, the cosmetic substance 101 can be inserted into the annular cavity 135. Figure 8 As shown in , after a predetermined time and depending on the material properties of the ring 134, the ring expands to an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension DE that is smaller than the outer cross-sectional dimension DO. Accordingly, the ring inner surface 134a applies a retaining force that squeezes or compresses against the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the outer cross-sectional dimension DO is significantly (e.g., more than 5%) larger than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension DE. This arrangement ensures that the ring 134 applies a compressive or retaining force against the cosmetic substance 101 when the cosmetic substance 101 is disposed therein. The compressibility of the ring 134 described herein advantageously provides more retaining force than a system using a rigid or otherwise inflexible ring having a size that is smaller than the size of the cosmetic substance 101. In addition, such a rigid or otherwise inflexible ring having a size that is smaller than the size of the cosmetic substance 101 inherently damages or otherwise deforms at least a portion of the cosmetic substance 101 immediately after being disposed within the ring.

[0035] It should be understood that in some examples, ring 134 may not fully expand to the first expanded configuration when cosmetic substance 101 is disposed within ring cavity 135. However, in such examples, ring 134 will still exert a suitable retaining and / or compressive force on cosmetic substance 101.

[0036] Depending on the material composition of the cosmetic substance 101, the ring 134 may be formed of a particular material and / or have other dimensions or properties that allow it to apply a relatively gentle or relatively firm compressive force against the cosmetic substance 101 without causing damage or deformation along the slender body 101c due to significant surface area contact between the ring 134 and the slender body 101c.

[0037] While the illustrated example depicts the ring 134 as encompassing or otherwise surrounding the entire outer circumferential segment of the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101, in some examples, the ring 134 may encompass only a portion of the entire outer circumferential segment. In addition, it should be understood that if the cosmetic substance 101 is provided in other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a non-circular cross-sectional shape), the ring 134 may have a similar non-circular cross-sectional shape. Still further, it should be understood that in some examples, any of the steps described herein may be performed on the opposite or reverse end of the product 100. For example, the ring 134 may be inserted at the second end 124b of the cup body 124, the compression tool 10 may be inserted at the first end 124a of the cup body 124, and the like.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 , after assembling the retaining mechanism and the inner body 112, the cup retaining member 130 (which in some examples protrudes outwardly from the recess 114 of the inner body 112) is inserted into the channel 109 of the track 108. Next, the lip 117 of the shell 116 can be positioned above the inner body 112, and these components can then be inserted into the base cavity 103 of the base 102 until the shell 116 engages the ledge 104. In some examples, the shell 116, the track 108, and / or the inner body 112 can be fixed relative to the base 102, while the cup 122 can be rotated relative thereto. Thus, in order to advance the cosmetic substance 101, causing it to protrude outwardly beyond the shell 116, the user can twist the base to advance the cup retaining member 130 along the channel 109.

[0039] It should be appreciated that the cosmetic product 100 may include any number of modifications. For example, in some approaches (not shown), the cup body 124 or the ring 134 may further include a floor member. This floor member may provide additional support for the first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101. Furthermore, in some examples (not shown), the inner sidewall 124c of the cup body 124 may include a channel or other positioning mechanism to assist in aligning the ring 134.

[0040] So configured, the retaining mechanisms and products described herein securely retain the cosmetic substance without damaging portions thereof.As previously described, the retaining mechanism can be modified based on the characteristics of the cosmetic substance to ensure that the desired retaining force is exerted thereon.

[0041] In the foregoing description, specific embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as 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 interpreted as mutually exclusive, but rather should be understood as potentially combinable 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.

[0042] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0043] In addition, in this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like) can be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term "include", "have", "include", "contain", or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article, or equipment including, having, including, containing, and containing a list of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent in such processes, methods, articles, or equipment. Without further restrictions, the element with the preceding modifier "includes ... one", "has ... one", "includes ... one", "contains ... one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or equipment including, having, including, containing, and containing the element. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the term "one" is defined as one or more. The terms "substantially," "substantially," "approximately," "about," or any other versions thereof are defined as approximately as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, are defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment to be within 5%, in another embodiment to be within 1%, and in another embodiment to be within 0.5%. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined to be connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0044] An abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the essence of the present technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are combined together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention to make the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly set forth in the claims. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the present invention may be present in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0045] Unless conventional means-plus-function language is explicitly set forth (such as language that explicitly recites "means for..." or "step for..." in a claim), the patent claims appended to this patent application are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A cosmetic product, comprising: A cup, comprising: A cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity, wherein the inner sidewall includes a first positioning recess; a ring disposed at least partially within the cup cavity adjacent to the first locating notch, the ring including a ring inner surface and defining a ring cavity, the ring being comprised of a compressible material positionable in a first expanded configuration and a second compressed configuration, and a cosmetic substance having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body between the first end and the second end, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be disposed within the annular cavity; Wherein after at least a portion of the cosmetic substance is disposed within the ring cavity, the ring is adapted to exert a retaining force on the cosmetic substance.

2. The cosmetic product of claim 1 , wherein when the ring is in the first expanded configuration, the ring defines an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension, when the ring is in the second compressed configuration, the ring defines a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension, and the elongated body of the cosmetic substance has an outer cross-sectional dimension, wherein the outer cross-sectional dimension of the cosmetic substance is greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension.

3. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the compressible material comprises at least one of a plasticizer-free thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a copolyester elastomer.

4. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the compressed inner cross-sectional dimension is between about 1.005 and about 1.5 times greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension.

5. The cosmetic product of claim 1, further comprising an outer container having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity, wherein the cup is adapted to be at least partially disposed within the container cavity.

6. The cosmetic product of claim 5, wherein the cup body further comprises a second positioning notch formed of an elastic material, the second positioning notch being adapted to deform to allow the ring to be positioned adjacent to the first positioning notch and the second positioning notch.

7. The cosmetic product of claim 6, wherein the second positioning recess is adapted to apply an urging force toward the cup cavity immediately after the cup is inserted into the container cavity.

8. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the ring is adapted to surround an entire outer circumferential section of the cosmetic substance.

9. The cup of claim 1, further comprising a cup retaining member disposed on an outer surface of the cup body, the cup retaining member being aligned with the ring.

10. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the ring further comprises a base member, wherein the first end of the cosmetic substance is adapted to abut the base member.

11. A holding mechanism for holding a cosmetic substance, the holding mechanism comprising: A cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity, wherein the inner sidewall includes a first positioning recess; a ring at least partially disposed within the cup cavity adjacent to the first locating notch, the ring including a ring inner surface and defining a ring cavity, wherein the ring is comprised of a compressible material positionable in a first expanded configuration and a second compressed configuration; Wherein the ring is adapted to exert a retaining force on the cosmetic substance to retain the cosmetic substance within the ring cavity when in the expanded configuration.

12. A retaining mechanism according to clam 11, wherein when the ring is in the first expanded configuration, the ring defines an expanded internal cross-sectional dimension, and when the ring is in the second compressed configuration, the ring defines a compressed internal cross-sectional dimension, and the compressed internal cross-sectional dimension is larger than the expanded internal cross-sectional dimension.

13. The retention mechanism of claim 12, wherein the compressed inner cross-sectional dimension is between about 1.005 and about 1.5 times greater than the expanded inner cross-sectional dimension.

14. The retention mechanism of claim 11, wherein the compressible material comprises at least one of a plasticizer-free thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a copolyester elastomer.

15. The retention mechanism of claim 11, further comprising a second positioning notch formed of a resilient material, the second positioning notch adapted to deform to allow the ring to be positioned adjacent to the first and second positioning notches.

16. The retention mechanism of claim 11, wherein the second locating notch is adapted to apply an urging force toward the cup cavity.

17. The retention mechanism of claim 11, wherein the ring is adapted to surround an entire outer circumferential section of the cosmetic substance.

18. The retention mechanism of claim 11, wherein the ring further comprises a base member.

19. A method of assembling a cosmetic product, the method comprising: Providing a cup, the cup comprising a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity, the inner sidewall comprising a first positioning recess; and A ring is at least partially disposed within the cup cavity adjacent to the first positioning recess, the ring including a ring inner surface and defining a ring cavity, the ring being formed of a compressible material capable of being positioned in a first expanded configuration, whereby the ring defines an expanded inner cross-sectional dimension, and the compressible material capable of being positioned in a second compressed configuration, whereby the ring defines a compressed inner cross-sectional dimension.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: positioning the ring in the second compressed configuration; as well as disposing at least a portion of an elongated body of a cosmetic substance within the annular cavity, the cosmetic substance further having a first end and a second end, the elongated body extending between the first end and the second end; wherein after positioning the at least a portion of the elongated body of the cosmetic substance within the ring, the ring is adapted to move to the first expanded configuration to apply a retaining force to the cosmetic substance.

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