Cosmetic product container

Abstract

Systems and methods for manufacturing a container for a cosmetic substance include providing a container body having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity receiving a cosmetic substance; and forming, during the two injection molding processes, 1) a container neck having a first end, a second end, and a neck wall and defining a neck cavity; and 2) a wiper integrally formed with at least a portion of the neck wall. The wiper includes a protrusion extending into the neck cavity. The container neck is operably coupled with the first end of the container body.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Makeup products, hair care products, body care products and / or skin care products can be provided in many different containers, and can be applied using many different methods. As an example, among other alternatives, a mascara product may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a reservoir for accommodating the product, and the second portion having a removable rod and / or a brush to apply the product to the user. Typically, such a product includes a wiping mechanism to remove excess makeup products from rods and / or brushes before use. These wipers may be arranged in the neck region of the first portion of the product or otherwise connected with the neck region. In the example where the wiper is connected with the neck region, due to the frictional engagement required for removing excess product between rods and / or brushes and the wiper, it may be difficult to correctly maintain the wiper in the region. In these examples, the frictional force between the wiper and rods and / or brushes may be greater than the holding force between the wiper and the neck region, which may result in accidentally removing the wiper during attempting to remove rods and / or brushes. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the wiper with the neck region of the product, the stick and / or brush may have very little available space to pass through, and therefore, removal and use of such a product may be difficult. Furthermore, such an arrangement of components may result in a weakened area along the first portion of the product and may result in undesirable storage behavior.

[0003] In some examples, the wiper mechanism may include multiple discrete components that assist in removing excess product from the wand and / or brush. Such an arrangement may present problems associated with inadequate product removal control and may require highly precise control of the applicator surface / wiper interface in order to control the desired product dosage.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for improved accessories having improved functionality. Summary of the invention

[0005] Examples within the scope of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for making containers for cosmetic substances. Such systems and methods include providing a container body having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity for containing the cosmetic substance, and forming during a two-shot injection molding process 1) a container neck having a first end, a second end, and a neck wall and defining a neck cavity; and 2) a wiper integrally formed with at least a portion of the neck wall. The wiper includes a protrusion extending into the neck cavity. The container neck is operably connected to the first end of the container body.

[0006] In one method, the step of operably coupling the container neck to the first end of the container body includes at least one of ultrasonic welding, mechanical coupling, or applying an adhesive to secure the container neck to the first end of the container body. In these and other examples, the step of forming the container neck may include forming a base at the first end thereof that is insertable into the first end of the container body. Additionally, in some methods, the step of forming the wiper may include forming a sealing portion that forms a seal between the container body and the base of the container neck.

[0007] In these and other methods, the container neck can be formed from a first material and the wiper can be formed from a second material. The first material can have a greater hardness value than the second material.

[0008] In some examples, the container neck is formed of at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycol-modified copolyester, polycarbonate (PC), or polypropylene (PP). In these and other forms, the wiper is formed of at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer without plasticizer, or silicone rubber.

[0009] In some methods, the two-shot injection molding process includes an overmolding process. In some forms, the method may further include the step of forming the container body by an injection process or a blow molding process.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a container for a cosmetic substance includes a container body, a container neck, and a wiper. The container body includes a first end and a second end and defines a container cavity for containing the cosmetic substance. The container neck has a first end, a second end, and a neck wall and defines a neck cavity. The first end of the container neck is operably coupled to the first end of the container body. The wiper is integrally formed with at least a portion of the neck wall. The wiper includes at least one protrusion extending into the neck cavity of the container neck. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above needs are at least partially met by providing one, more than one, or any combination of systems and methods for manufacturing a container for a cosmetic substance as described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example container for containing a cosmetic substance according to various examples;

[0013] Figure 2 Various examples are shown Figure 1 A side elevation view of an example container;

[0014] Figure 3 Various examples are shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front elevational cutaway view of an example container;

[0015] Figure 4 Various examples are shown. Figures 1 to 3 An upper perspective view of an example container neck and wiper for use with an example container;

[0016] Figure 5 Various examples are shown. Figures 1 to 4 An upper perspective view of an example container body for use with an example container of FIG.

[0017] Figure 6 Various examples are shown Figures 1 to 5 An upper perspective cutaway view of an example container of;

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a device coupled to an example handle and an applicator according to various examples. Figures 1 to 6 A front elevational cutaway view of an example container;

[0019] Figure 8 shows a front elevational cutaway view of an example container having an alternative container neck and wiper according to various examples;

[0020] Fig. 9 Various examples are shown Figure 8 An upper perspective cutaway view of an example container of;

[0021] Fig.10 shows a front elevational cutaway view of an example container having a second alternative container neck and a wiper according to various examples; and

[0022] Fig.11 Various examples are shown Fig.10 An upper perspective cutaway view of an example container.

[0023] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size and / or relative positioning of some elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various examples. In addition, common but easy-to-understand elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are usually not described, so as to obtain a clearer understanding of these different examples. It will be further understood that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a specific order of occurrence, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such specificity about order is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the common technical meanings given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as set forth above, unless different specific meanings have been set forth separately herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Generally speaking, according to these various methods, a container for containing a cosmetic substance is provided, the container including a shaped neck region incorporating a wiper mechanism. In some examples, the neck region is formed via a multiple or double injection molding process, whereby the wiper mechanism is first molded or formed, and subsequently, the remaining neck portion is folded or formed onto and / or around the wiper mechanism. Such molding advantageously provides more space inside the neck cavity, resulting in improved performance of the wiper mechanism.

[0025] Turning to the drawings, the container 100 includes a vial or container body 102, a container neck 110, and a wiper 120. The container body 102 includes a first end 102a, a second end 102b, and a container sidewall 103, thereby defining a container cavity 104 for retaining a cosmetic substance (not shown). The container body 102 can be formed of any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, glass, polymeric materials, metallic materials, and the like.

[0026] In some examples, the cosmetic substance can be in the form of a mascara product, an eyeliner product, or a lip gloss product applied using an applicator. It should be appreciated that in some of these examples, the cosmetic substance can be any type of cosmetic product, hair care product, body care product, and / or skin care product that can be applied to a user. Other examples are also possible. In some of these examples, the cosmetic substance can include strong or otherwise aggressive chemicals and / or ingredients, such as, for example, volatiles, such as isododecane.

[0027] The container body 102 also includes a key portion 106 ( Figure 5) and at least one flange 108 formed at the second end 102b of the container body 102. In the example shown, the key portion 106 is in the form of an elongated protrusion or recess along the side wall 104. Other examples of suitable structures are possible.

[0028] The container neck 110 includes a first end 110a and a second end 110b. The first end 110a includes a base 112 having a platform 113. In some examples, the platform 113 engages the flange 108 of the container body 102 to operably couple the container neck 110 with the container body 102. In some examples, the base 112 can additionally include an extension 114 that can frictionally engage or snap with a portion of the container sidewall 103 to form a seal with the container body 102.

[0029] The second end 110b includes a neck wall 116 defining a neck cavity 116a therein. A coupling portion 117 may be provided on the periphery of the neck wall 116 to operably couple a cap or handle 150 ( Figure 7 ), the cap or handle 150 includes a rod 152 ( Figure 7 ), the stick 152 has a brush or other applicator (not shown) to apply the cosmetic substance to the user. In some examples, the coupling portion 117 can be in the form of a threaded member having any number of desired stop or anti-rotation members 117a positioned at its terminal end. Such a member 117 can engage a corresponding threaded member 154 disposed or otherwise formed on the cap 150. In the example shown, the cap 150 includes an inner cap 153 that carries the threaded member 154 and otherwise retains the stick 152 by any number of suitable methods. Other examples are also possible.

[0030] The container neck 110 may be constructed or formed from any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycol-modified copolyesters (PCTA, PCTG), polycarbonate (PC), or polypropylene (PP). Other examples are possible.

[0031] The wiper 120 is used to remove excess makeup material from a product applicator or brush and includes a first end 120a, a second end 120b, and defines a wiper cavity 121. The wiper 120 also includes at least one protrusion 122 extending inwardly into the wiper cavity 121. In this example, the protrusion 122 is in the form of a downwardly angled ring or wing that surrounds a portion of the periphery of the wiper cavity 121. The wiper 120 is generally disposed within the neck cavity 116a. Figures 1 to 6In the example shown, the wiper 120 extends from a distance beyond the second end 110b of the container neck 110 to a distance beyond the first end 110a of the container neck 110. Other arrangements are possible.

[0032] The wiper 120 may be constructed or formed of any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer without plasticizer, or silicone rubber. Other examples are also possible. In general, the wiper 120 is constructed of a relatively soft material than the container neck 110 (i.e., the container neck 110 is formed of a material having a higher hardness value than the material used to form the wiper 120), and thus, the container neck 110 provides stability during the removal and insertion of the rod 152 and the brush or applicator from the container body 102, while the one or more protrusions 122 are bent to remove excess cosmetic material from the brush. More specifically, the size of the one or more protrusions 122 is designed so that they extend into the wiper cavity 121 a distance sufficient to contact the surface of the brush or applicator, thereby causing interaction between the components, which may cause excess cosmetic material carried by the brush to be removed from the brush.

[0033] The container neck 110 and the wiper 120 can be formed by a two-step injection molding or forming process. For example, the container neck 110 and the wiper 120 can be formed by overmolding or other two-step processes (e.g., double injection or any other suitable injection or blow molding process). In some examples, the wiper 120 is molded or otherwise formed using an overmolding process, and then a portion of the mold is released and the mold is rotated or turned (e.g., approximately 180°) so that the second nozzle is positioned adjacent to the mold cavity. The container neck 110 is then injected, molded, or otherwise formed on the wiper 120, thereby creating a single integrally formed component having the container neck 110 and the wiper 120.

[0034] The formed container neck 110 and wiper 120 are then coupled and secured to the first end 102a of the container body 102 by any number of suitable methods, such as, for example, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, friction fit or snap connections, or any other suitable method. More specifically, the base 112 of the container neck 110 can be positioned within and aligned with the opening at the first end 102a of the container body 102 such that the key portion 106 of the container body 102 is at least partially disposed or otherwise inserted between the slotted portion 113 of the container neck 110 and the slotted portion 125 of the wiper 120 ( Figure 4). When the base 112 of the container neck 110 abuts the flange 108 of the container body 102, the extension 114 of the container neck 110 can abut and compress the sealing portion 124 of the wiper 120. When the container neck 110 is coupled to the container body 102, the sealing portion 124 engages a portion of the container sidewall 103 to generate additional sealing force to retain the cosmetic substance in the container cavity 104.

[0035] Because the wiper 120 and the container neck 110 are formed by a two-shot injection molding or forming process, the container neck 116 can have a reduced thickness compared to conventional designs, and therefore, the neck cavity 116a and the wiper cavity 121 can be larger than conventional designs. Such increased neck cavity 116 and wiper cavity 121 can allow product applicators or brushes with larger and varied configurations to be used with the container body 102. In addition, the wiper 120 and the container neck 110 provide better and increased retention and reduce the risk of the wiper 120 being accidentally removed from the container neck 110 during removal of the stick and / or brush.

[0036] Notably, the materials used to form the container neck 110 and wiper 120 are compatible with each other (and additionally with the container body 102), and therefore, the molding or forming process allows for the consistent production of satisfactory parts.

[0037] It should also be appreciated that the wiper 120 may be provided in any number of different shapes and / or configurations. As a non-limiting alternative example, Figures 7 to 10 Alternative wipers 220, 320 are shown that can be incorporated into the cosmetic product 100. These wipers 220, 320 include similar features to the wiper 120 and are therefore provided with reference numerals having the same two-digit suffix. For the sake of brevity, such components will not be described in further detail. In the example wipers 220, 320, a two-shot or overmolding process is used to form additional components that can improve the operation of the container 100.

[0038] exist Figures 7 to 10 In the example wipers 220, 320 shown, a plurality of projections 222, 322 are provided in the form of discrete fingers positioned at different heights between the first and second ends of the wiper. These finger-like projections can be individually designed to control the dosage while allowing the rod and / or brush surface to be independent and have greater flexibility. More specifically, in these examples, because the projections 222, 322 extend beyond the central area of ​​the cavities 221, 321, the top of the brush and / or applicator can be additionally wiped. Due to the inherent geometry of the projections in the form of annular rings, such wiping cannot be achieved.

[0039] In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the illustrated example wiper 320, the second end 320b of the wiper 320 is positioned or arranged at a relatively low length along the container neck 310, and therefore does not extend to the second end 310b of the container neck 310. In this way, the wiper 320 may appear to be "hidden" to the user, thereby enhancing the user's experience. The wiper 320 includes a protrusion in the form of a ring for providing control of the total dosage of the cosmetic product. In addition, the wiper 320 includes a sealing portion 324 having a stepped portion 324a, which is similar to the previously described sealing portion 324a. Figures 1 to 6 The extension 314 engages the container neck 310 in a similar manner as described, but also includes an annular sealing wall 324b that engages the neck passage 318 to create an additional seal between the container body 102, the container neck 310 and the wiper 320. Such an arrangement provides an additional airtight construction.

[0040] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that while each of the container neck 110 and wiper 120 include slotted portions 113, 125 that accommodate the key portion 106 of the container body 102 for alignment purposes, in some examples, only one of these components may include a slotted portion depending on their relative desired geometries.

[0041] So configured, the system allows the consumer to remove the brush or applicator with a single swipe or motion. The integrated wiper provides more available space within the neck cavity, which can allow a larger sized brush to be used. In addition, because the wiper is molded using a relatively soft material, the molding process can create aggressive protrusion patterns, such as undercuts or similar geometries. The protrusions provided reduce undesirable clumps that could otherwise affect performance.

[0042] In the above description, specific embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be considered to have illustrative rather than restrictive meanings, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. In addition, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should be understood as potentially combinable, if such combinations are allowed in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the above-mentioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the above-mentioned other embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0043] These benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may render any benefit, advantage, or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements 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.

[0044] In addition, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. may 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 terms "comprises, comprising", "has, having", "includes, including", "contains, containing" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device that includes, has, contains, or contains a series of elements does not include only these elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article or device. Elements defined by "includes...", "has...", "includes...", "containing...", in the absence of more restrictions, do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device that includes, has, contains, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more, unless otherwise expressly stated herein. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other variations thereof, are defined as approximating what one of ordinary skill in the art understands, and in one non-limiting embodiment, within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as 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.

[0045] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It is considered that it should be understood 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 grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. This method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than the features explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0046] The patent claims attached to this patent application are not intended to be interpreted pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless traditional “means-plus-function” language is expressly referenced, such as “means for” or “step for” language, is expressly referenced in a claim(s).

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a container for a cosmetic substance, the method comprising: providing a container body having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity adapted to contain a cosmetic substance; During the two-shot injection molding process, 1) a container neck is formed, the container neck having a first end, a second end, and a neck wall and defining a neck cavity; and 2) a wiper integrally formed with at least a portion of the neck wall, the wiper including a protrusion extending into the neck cavity; as well as The container neck is operably coupled to the first end of the container body.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of operably coupling the container neck to the first end of the container body includes at least one of ultrasonic welding, mechanical coupling, or applying an adhesive to secure the container neck to the first end of the container body.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of forming the container neck includes forming a base at a first end of the container neck, the base being adapted to be insertable into the first end of the container body.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The step of forming the wiper includes forming a sealing portion adapted to form a seal between the container body and the base of the container neck.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The container neck is formed from a first material and the wiper is formed from a second material, the first material having a greater hardness value than the second material.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The container neck is formed of at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycol-modified copolyester, polycarbonate (PC), or polypropylene (PP).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The wiper is formed of at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer without plasticizer, or a silicone rubber.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The two-shot injection molding process includes an overmolding process.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of forming the container body by an injection process or a blow molding process.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of forming the wiper includes forming a plurality of projections disposed at different heights within the neck cavity.

11. A container for a cosmetic substance, the container comprising: a container body having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity adapted to contain a cosmetic substance; a container neck having a first end, a second end, and a neck wall and defining a neck cavity, the first end of the container neck being operably coupled to the first end of the container body; and A wiper is integrally formed with at least a portion of the neck wall, the wiper comprising at least one protrusion extending into the neck cavity of the container neck.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein The container neck includes a base adapted to be insertable into the first end of the container body.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein The wiper includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal between the container body and the base of the container neck.

14. The container according to claim 11, wherein The container body and the container neck are operably coupled by at least one of ultrasonic welding, mechanical coupling, or an adhesive.

15. The container according to claim 11, wherein The container neck is formed from a first material and the wiper is formed from a second material, the first material having a greater hardness value than the second material.

16. The container according to claim 11, wherein The container neck is formed of at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycol-modified copolyester, polycarbonate (PC), or polypropylene (PP).

17. The container according to claim 11, wherein The wiper is formed of at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer without plasticizer, or a silicone rubber.

18. The container according to claim 11, wherein The at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions arranged in a stepped pattern.

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