SHOCK ABSORBENT COSMETIC PRODUCT CONTAINER

Abstract

A cosmetic product container (1) for a solid or semi-solid cosmetic product. The cosmetic product container comprises a lid (20) and a base assembly. The base assembly comprises a base (10), a frame (40), a shock-absorbing element (50), and at least one cosmetic product tray (30). The shock-absorbing element is disposed in a cavity (10a) of the base. The shock-absorbing element is coupled to the base and to at least one cosmetic product tray such that a shock imparted to the cosmetic product container is isolated from at least one cosmetic product tray. The shock-absorbing element is deformable and comprises a hollow tubular body defining a central bore extending between an upper flange (54) and a lower flange (55) of the shock-absorbing element. Figure for publication: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: SHOCK-ABSORBENT COSMETIC PRODUCT CONTAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cosmetic product case comprising a shock-absorbing element for protection against damage from shocks. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Hinged cosmetic product containers, such as cosmetic cases, are commonly used to contain various cosmetic products or makeup, including face powder, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, and the like. Indeed, virtually any type of makeup can be supplied in a form suitable for inclusion in a cosmetic case. Cosmetic cases allow one or more cosmetic products, in sufficient quantities for multiple applications, to be conveniently stored and / or transported, particularly in receptacles such as cosmetic holders, handbags, or purses, for on-demand access and use. Consequently, cosmetic cases are widespread and very popular.

[0003] Conventional cosmetic product containers typically comprise a housing, a lid pivotally mounted on a base for movement between closed and open positions, and one or more cosmetic products contained within the base. The housings of conventional cosmetic product containers are usually made of substantially rigid or brittle materials, such as plastics and / or metals. Since cosmetic product containers are not typically subjected to shocks, such as impacts, vibrations, or shaking forces, during use, storage, and / or transport, their contents often suffer irreparable damage. The cosmetic products inside the housings may crack, break, chip, or crumble. Cosmetic products may leak from damaged housings, and cosmetic products may leak from even intact housings.Damaged cosmetic product packaging is therefore usually discarded prematurely by its users, resulting in an economic loss.

[0004] A cosmetic product case having a flexible housing made of a plastic material or a rubber elastomer foam for protection against damage from impacts was proposed in the US patent No. 6,055,992 in the name of Skame. A significant drawback of the proposed cosmetic product case is that the flexible housing requires, for dimensional stability, a dimensionally stable mirror and a dimensionally stable cosmetic product compartment or tray disposed in the lid and base, respectively, of the housing. The dimensional instability of the housing when the mirror and / or cosmetic product compartment are not installed within it renders the housing unsuitable for use when some of the contents are removed.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,135,012 in the name of Kamen et al. describes a cosmetic product case in which the lid and base of the housing are flexible because they are made from a single piece of thermoplastic material of nominal thickness.The nominal thickness of the lid and base reduces the structural strength of the housing and provides little protection for the contents against damage from impacts.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,682,910 in the name of Kizawa et al. describes a housing having a soft area on one of its front walls to define a push button for releasing hooks used to hold the housing in a closed position. The location and design of the soft area render it ineffective for shock absorption.

[0007] From the above, it is evident that there is a need for cosmetic product cases that are better protected to absorb shocks. Summary of the invention

[0008] Accordingly, a primary purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cosmetic product case having a shock-absorbing element.

[0009] Accordingly, this disclosure relates to means for damping shocks, impacts, and vibrations transmitted from the base of a cosmetic product container to at least one cosmetic product tray supported within the cosmetic product container. The at least one cosmetic product tray is suitable for containing a solid or semi-solid cosmetic product, for example, a compressed powder, which is liable to deteriorate by cracking or crumbling, or in the worst-case scenario, by being released from the tray. The shock-absorbing means minimize or eliminate deterioration of the cosmetic product caused by external shock, impact, or vibration.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a cosmetic product case is provided, comprising a lid and a base assembly. The base assembly includes a base, a frame, a shock-absorbing element, and at least one cosmetic product tray.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the lid can be coupled to the base and configured to operate between a closed and an open position. The lid covers the base to prevent accidental contact with the cosmetic product in at least one cosmetic product tray and thus prevent its use. In the open position, the lid can be configured to expose at least one cosmetic product tray in the base for use.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the lid overlaps the base to define an internal compartment and is pivotally mounted on the base. Together, the base and the lid define a case enclosure. The lid has opposing side walls and a front wall that generally extend perpendicularly from a top wall of the lid. The front wall of the lid has an extended portion that fits into the recessed portion when the lid is pivoted downward toward the base to close the cosmetic product case.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the base has opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall of the base has a hollowed-out portion.

[0014] The upper wall of the cover has an inner surface which may include a mirror (not shown), such as a mirror which is laminated onto the inner surface, or the inner surface itself may be a mirror.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a recess and a tab are provided, respectively, on the extended portion of the base and in the recessed portion of the lid, and cooperate to releaseably hold the cosmetic product container in the closed position when the lid is pivoted to close the cosmetic product container with the extended portion engaging with the recessed portion of the base. Any suitable closure system known in the art may, however, be used.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the frame is coupled to the base and is configured to retain at least one cosmetic product tray. The frame and the at least one cosmetic product tray are arranged inside the base. The base includes a groove that couples to a projection of the frame to help stabilize the frame and prevent displacement of the frame within the base. In alternative embodiments of this disclosure, the frame may be coupled to the base by any other coupling means known in the art.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the shock-absorbing element is disposed in the base. The shock-absorbing element is coupled to the base and to at least one cosmetic product tray such that a certain mechanical shock imparted to the cosmetic product container is isolated from at least one product tray. cosmetics. Thus, the contents of at least one cosmetic product tray, such as makeup, are isolated from shocks or vibrations acting on the cosmetic product case. The shock-absorbing element prevents lateral or axial displacement of at least one cosmetic product tray relative to the frame and base; and dampens the impact effect on at least one cosmetic product tray during a fall or vibration.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the shock-absorbing element has a flexible and deformable structure comprising a hollow tubular body defining a central bore extending between an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flange is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element, and the lower flange is substantially transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element. In other embodiments, the upper flange may be substantially transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element. In still other embodiments, both the upper and lower flanges may be substantially transverse or inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element.Furthermore, the upper flange is substantially circular in shape, with at least two opposite straight edges in the circumference, and the lower flange is substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners. In addition, a maximum width of the upper flange is less than a maximum width of the lower flange.

[0019] Thus, the shock-absorbing element has a horizontal annular body that defines a horizontal annular U-shaped groove oriented outwards and opposite to the central bore. More specifically, the hollow tubular body comprises an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion. The upper curved portion comprises an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. The lower curved portion comprises an inner convex surface and an outer concave surface.

[0020] The shock-absorbing element extends between the lower wall of the base and the frame such that the lower flange abuts against an inner surface of the lower wall of the base, and the upper flange abuts against an inner surface of the frame. More specifically, the shock-absorbing element extends between the lower wall of the base and the frame such that the lower transverse flange abuts against an inner surface of the lower wall of the base, and the inclined upper flange abuts against an inner surface of the frame.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body of the shock-absorbing element comprises a step on which an outer flange of at least one cosmetic product tray is mounted. The outer flange of the cosmetic tray abuts such that at least one cosmetic tray is received inside the central bore in a floating state. More specifically, the outer flange of the cosmetic tray abuts against a step on an upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body and the inner concave surface of the upper curved portion of the hollow tubular body of the shock-absorbing element, such that the cosmetic tray is received inside the central bore in a floating state. In other words, the cosmetic tray is supported by the shock-absorbing element only at the level of a peripheral wall of the cosmetic tray, and a lower wall of the cosmetic tray is not in contact with the shock-absorbing element or with the lower wall of the base.

[0022] At least one cosmetic product tray can be fixed to the shock-absorbing element by means of glue, a tight fit or any other means of fixing known in the art.

[0023] In addition, the frame includes an opening that provides access to the contents of at least one cosmetic product tray. The frame locks the at least one cosmetic product tray with the shock-absorbing element inside the base.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment, an assembly of the basic unit of the cosmetic product case comprises the following steps: 1. The shock-absorbing element is first received securely in the cavity of the base. 2. Next, at least one cosmetic product tray is fixed in the central bore of the shock absorber element. 3. Next, the frame is mounted on the base to hold at least one tray of cosmetic product inside the base.

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the shock-absorbing element is made of a flexible material. The material of the shock-absorbing element can be made from any suitable plastic or elastomeric material, such as rubber, styrene, acetal, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The element can be manufactured by any suitable process, such as injection molding, die-cutting, etc.

[0026] According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one cosmetic product tray can be made from a metallic material, such as aluminum, or plastic or any other material known in the art.

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one of said cover and of said base is made of a material selected from the group comprising a material transparent plastic, opaque plastic material, metal, wood, composite, polymer and ceramic.

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the lid and / or the base may be of any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. The lid generally has the same geometric shape as the base, or a similar shape. Likewise, the inner and outer surfaces of the lid may have one or more decorative features affixed to the inner and / or outer surfaces of the lid, or decorative features may be part of the inner and / or outer surfaces of the lid, or be printed or painted on such surfaces. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the lid, particularly the inner and / or outer surfaces of the lid, may be clear or opaque to allow the contents of the enclosure to be viewed when the lid is in a closed position.

[0029] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of this disclosure, as well as others, will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] In order for the above-mentioned features of this disclosure to be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be added with reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic product container in an open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic product container of [Fig.1] in a closed position;

[0033] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of a view of the cosmetic product container of [Fig.1]

[0034] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a shock-absorbing element of [Fig.3];

[0035] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view of the shock-absorbing element of the [Fig. 4]; and

[0036] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate assembly steps of a basic set of the cosmetic product case of Fig. 1.

[0037] To facilitate understanding, identical numerical references have been used, where possible, to indicate identical elements that are common to the figures. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are not by Consequently, not considered as limiting its scope, the disclosure may admit other equally effective modes of implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Throughout this description, the terms "include", "comprises", "comprising" and the like consistently mean that a collection of objects is not limited to those specifically indicated objects.

[0039] Fig. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a cosmetic product container 1 in an open configuration.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cosmetic product case 1 includes a lid 20 and a base assembly 2. The base assembly includes a base 10, a frame 40, a shock-absorbing element 50, and at least one cosmetic product tray 30.

[0041] The cosmetic product container 1 has a base 10 having a lower wall (as shown in [Fig. 2]). The base 10 can be configured to hold at least one cosmetic product tray 30. A lid 20 can be coupled to the base 10 and configured to operate between a closed and an open position. The lid 20 covers the base 10 to prevent accidental contact with the cosmetic product in the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 and thus prevent its use. In the open position, the lid 20 can be configured to expose the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 in the base 10 for use.

[0042] As shown in the drawings, in particular figures 1 and 2, the base 10 has opposing side walls 14a, 14b, a front wall 13a and a rear wall 13b. The front wall 13a has a hollowed-out part 15.

[0043] More specifically, the lid 20 overlaps the base 10 to define an inner compartment and is pivotally mounted on the base 10. Together, the base 10 and the lid 20 define a case enclosure. The lid 20 has opposing side walls 22a, 22b and a front wall 24 that generally extend perpendicularly with respect to a top wall 21. The front wall 24 of the lid 20 has an extended portion 25 that fits into the recessed portion 15 when the lid 20 is pivoted downwards towards the base 10 to close the cosmetic product case 1.

[0044] The upper wall 21 of the cover has an inner surface which may include a mirror (not shown), such as a mirror which is laminated onto the inner surface, or the inner surface itself may be a mirror.

[0045] A recess 25a and a tab 11 are provided, respectively, on the extended portion 25 and in the recessed portion 15, which cooperate to release the cosmetic product container 1 in the closed position when the The lid 20 is pivoted to close the cosmetic product case 1 with the extended part 25 coming into contact with the hollow part 15. Any suitable closure system known in the art may however be used.

[0046] The lid 20 generally has a geometric shape similar or identical to the base 10. Likewise, the inner and outer surfaces of the lid may have one or more decorative features affixed to the inner and / or outer surface of the lid, or decorative features may be part of the inner and / or outer surface of the lid, or printed or painted on such surfaces. In one disclosure embodiment, the lid, particularly the inner and / or outer surface of the lid, may be clear or opaque to allow the contents of the casing to be viewed when the lid is in a closed position.

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic product container 1 in an open configuration. The cosmetic product container 1 also includes a frame 40 coupled to the base 10 and configured to retain at least one cosmetic product tray 30.

[0048] As shown in [Fig.2], the frame 40 and at least one cosmetic product tray 30 are arranged inside the base 10. The base 10 includes a groove 14c which couples to a projection 41 of the frame 40 to help stabilize the frame 40 and prevent displacement of the frame 40 inside the base 10.

[0049] The cosmetic product container 1 includes a shock-absorbing element 50 disposed in a cavity 10a of the base 10 between the lower wall 12 of the base and the frame 40. The shock-absorbing element 50 is coupled to the base 10 and to at least one cosmetic product tray 30 such that a certain mechanical shock imparted to the cosmetic product container 1 is isolated from the at least one cosmetic product tray 30. Thus, the contents of the at least one cosmetic product tray 30, such as makeup, are isolated from shocks or vibrations acting on the cosmetic product container 1. The shock-absorbing element 50 prevents transverse or axial displacements of the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 relative to the frame 40 and the base 10 and dampens an impact effect on the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 during a fall or vibrations.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the shock-absorbing element 50 is a deformable structure comprising a hollow tubular body 51 defining a central bore 52 extending between an upper flange 54 and a lower flange 55. The upper flange 54 is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element, and the lower flange 55 is substantially transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element 50. In other embodiments, the upper flange 54 may be substantially transverse with respect to to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element 50. In still other embodiments, the upper flange 54 and the lower flange 55 may both be substantially transverse or inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element 50. Furthermore, the upper flange 54 is substantially circular in shape, with at least two opposite straight edges 54a and 54b in the circumference, and the lower flange 55 is substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners 55a. In addition, a maximum width W1 of the upper flange 54 is less than a maximum width W2 of the lower flange 55.

[0051] Thus, the shock-absorbing element 50 has a horizontal annular body that defines a horizontal annular U-shaped groove 57 oriented outwards and opposite to the central bore 52. More specifically, the hollow tubular body 51 comprises an upper curved portion 51a and a lower curved portion 51b. The upper curved portion 51a comprises an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. The lower curved portion 51b comprises an inner convex surface and an outer concave surface.

[0052] The shock-absorbing element 50 extends between the lower wall 12 of the base and the frame 40 such that the lower flange 55 abuts against an inner surface of the lower wall 12 of the base 10, and the upper flange 54 abuts against an inner surface of the frame 40. Furthermore, as shown in [Fig.2], the shock-absorbing element 50 extends between the lower wall 12 of the base and the frame 40 such that the lower transverse flange 55 abuts against an inner surface of the lower wall 12 of the base 10, and the inclined upper flange 54 abuts against the inner surface of the frame 40.

[0053] An upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body 51 of the shock-absorbing element 50 comprises a step 56 against which an outer flange 32 of at least one cosmetic product tray 30 abuts such that the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 is received inside the central bore 52 in a floating state. More particularly, the outer flange 32 of the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 abuts against a step 56 on an upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body 51 and the inner concave surface of the upper curved portion 51a of the hollow tubular body 51 of the shock-absorbing element 50, such that the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 is received inside the central bore 52 in a floating state.In other words, at least one cosmetic product tray 30 is supported by the shock-absorbing element 50 only at the level of a peripheral wall 33 of at least one cosmetic product tray 30, and a lower wall 34 of at least one cosmetic product tray 30 is not in contact with the shock-absorbing element 50 nor with the lower wall 12 of the base 10.

[0054] In various embodiments, not shown, at least one cosmetic product tray 30 can be fixed to the shock-absorbing element 50 by means of glue, a tight fit or any other means of fixing known in the art.

[0055] In addition, the frame 40 includes an opening 42 that provides access to the contents of at least one cosmetic product tray 30, shown in [Fig. 3]. The frame 40 locks the at least one cosmetic product tray 30 with the shock-absorbing element 50 inside the base 10.

[0056] Furthermore, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate assembly steps for a basic set of the cosmetic product container 1. The shock-absorbing element 50 is first securely received in the cavity 10a of the base 10, as shown in [Fig. 6]. Next, at least one cosmetic product tray 30 is fixed in the bore 52 of the shock-absorbing element 50, and then the frame 40 is mounted on the base 10 to retain at least one cosmetic product tray 30 inside the base 10, as shown in [Fig. 7].

[0057] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the shock-absorbing element 50 is made of a flexible material. The shock-absorbing element 50 can be made from any suitable plastic or elastomeric material, such as rubber, styrene, acetal, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The element can be manufactured by any suitable process, such as injection molding, die-cutting, etc.

[0058] According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one cosmetic product tray 30 can be made from a metallic material such as aluminum or plastic or any other material known in the art.

[0059] At least one of said cover 20 and of said base 10 is made of a material selected from the group comprising a transparent plastic material, an opaque plastic material, metal, wood, composite, polymer and ceramic.

[0060] The cover 10 and / or the base 20 can take any desired shape such as, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.

[0061] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of this disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by a person skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Cosmetic product case (1) for housing a cosmetic product, the cosmetic product case comprising a lid (20) and a base assembly (2), in which the base assembly comprises: a base (10) configured to be covered by the lid and configured to house at least one tray (30) of cosmetic product; a frame (40) coupled to the base; a shock-absorbing element (50) disposed inside the base; in which the shock-absorbing element comprises a hollow tubular body having an upper flange and a lower flange extending outwards from the tubular body (51), a central bore extending completely through the hollow tubular body; and in which the shock-absorbing element extends between a lower wall (12) of the base and the frame.

2. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbing element has a flexible and deformable structure.

3. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein the upper flange is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element, and the lower flange is substantially transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element; or wherein the upper flange is substantially transverse with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element and the lower flange is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element; or wherein both the upper and lower flanges are substantially transverse or inclined with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the shock-absorbing element.

4. Cosmetic product container according to claim 1, wherein the upper flange is substantially circular in shape, with at least two opposite straight edges (54a) in the circumference, and the lower flange is substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners (55a).

5. Cosmetic product container according to claim 1, wherein a maximum width of the upper flange is less than a maximum width of the lower flange of the shock-absorbing element.

6. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbing element has a horizontal annular body which defines a horizontal annular U-shaped groove (57) which is oriented outwards and opposite to the central bore (52).

7. Cosmetic product container according to claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular body comprises an upper curved portion (51a) and a lower curved portion (51b).

8. Cosmetic product container according to claim 7, wherein the upper curved portion comprises an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface.

9. Cosmetic product container according to claim 7, wherein the lower curved portion comprises an inner convex surface and an outer concave surface.

10. Cosmetic product container according to claim 1, wherein an upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body of the shock-absorbing element comprises a step (56) against which an outer flange (32) of at least one cosmetic product tray abuts such that the at least one cosmetic product tray is received inside the central bore in a floating state.

11. Cosmetic product housing according to claim 10, wherein an outer flange of at least one cosmetic product tray abuts against a step on the upper inner peripheral surface of the hollow tubular body and an inner concave surface of an upper curved portion of the hollow tubular body of the shock-absorbing element.

12. Cosmetic product container according to claim 10, wherein at least one cosmetic product tray is supported by the shock-absorbing element only at the level of a peripheral wall of at least one cosmetic product tray and a lower wall of at least one cosmetic product tray is not in contact with the shock-absorbing element or with the lower wall of the base.

13. Cosmetic product container according to claim 1, wherein a lower transverse flange abuts against a surface the inner wall of the lower base and an inclined upper flange abuts against an inner surface of the frame.

14. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to retain at least one product tray inside the base.

15. Cosmetic product case according to claim 14, wherein the base includes a groove which couples to a projection of the frame to help stabilize the frame and prevent displacement of the frame inside the base.

16. Cosmetic product case according to claim 14, wherein the frame includes an opening to provide access to the contents of at least one cosmetic product tray.

17. Cosmetic product case according to claim 14, wherein the frame locks at least one cosmetic product tray with the shock-absorbing element inside the base.

18. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein at least one cosmetic product tray can be fixed to the shock-absorbing element by glue, a tight fit or any other fastening means known in the art.

19. A method for assembling the basic assembly of the cosmetic product case according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: securely receiving the shock-absorbing element in a cavity (10a) of the base; fixing at least one cosmetic product tray inside the central bore of the shock-absorbing element; and mounting the frame on the base to retain at least one cosmetic product tray inside the base.

20. Cosmetic product case according to claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbing element is made of a material selected from a group consisting of a plastic or elastomer material, such as, for example, rubber, styrene, acetal, polyethylene, polypropylene.

Images