Shock absorbing inserts for cosmetic compacts

Abstract

The compact case includes a product pallet configured with one or more product wells. The pallet is connected to and rests on top of a shock absorbing insert, both located within the base of the compact. The shock absorbing insert is a flexible member configured from one or more hubs with one or more protrusions extending therefrom. The shock absorbing insert is capable of absorbing and dissipating energy during an impact, thereby protecting the product within the product wells.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to improved compact containers, particularly compacts of the type associated with cosmetics and personal care products. [Background technology]

[0002] A cosmetic compact is a portable storage container for color makeup products, personal care products, and / or other items such as implements for applying the products. Typical products can be solid or semi-solid, such as compressed or molded powders, pastes, creams, or products of cake-like consistency. Cosmetics that can be provided in a compact case include blushers, eye shadows, foundations, lip products, etc.

[0003] Compacts are versatile in that they are convenient and functional, yet visually appealing; the latter being an important feature in a retail environment. Some common features of cosmetic compacts include a base and a cover that closes the base to protect the contents of the base. Within the base are one or more compartments for holding one or more cosmetic products or related items. Such product compartments may be implemented as one or more plastic or metal pans, or as a platform that rests within the base. The cover can alternate between open and closed positions relative to the base. Cooperation of the cover and base can include an airtight seal between the two, and a fastening mechanism that prevents accidental opening of the compact. The base and cover are generally of the same overall shape, with circular, oval, and rectangular shapes being very common. Cosmetic compacts are usually sized to fit conveniently in a handbag and are held in the hand when in use. It is also very common for the inside of the cover to include a mirror that can be used when the compact is in the open position.

[0004] In commercial transportation and distribution, cosmetic compacts may be subjected to potentially damaging forces such as vibration and sudden impacts. And because compacts are intended to be carried by consumers, they may be shoved around in handbags or dropped onto hard surfaces. The compact bears the responsibility not only to withstand this rough handling with little or no damage, but also to protect the contents inside. For this reason, compacts tend to be made of solid, impact-resistant materials such as hard plastics and metals. However, there is a trade-off in that the forces of shock and vibration tend to be transmitted through the compact to the contents it is meant to protect. This is particularly troublesome when the contents of the compact include one or more hard compressed powders that tend to respond to sudden shocks or repeated vibrations by cracking or crumbling. This is especially true for higher quality compressed powders that are manufactured with less compression to provide a softer "feel" to the user and better product transfer onto the finger or applicator. If the compact cannot protect its contents, the consumer is not satisfied. Furthermore, cracked or broken cosmetics may adversely affect the performance of the product. For example, broken products may rest unevenly on the applicator (e.g., brush or pad). This may then lead to undesirable and unattractive distribution of the product on the user's skin. Although some efforts have been made to attenuate the destructive energy reaching the product in the compact, improvements are still needed. Below are examples of efforts that have been made to address the aforementioned concerns:U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2021 / 0289914, 2021 / 0289915, 2019 / 037998, and 2008 / 0011320; Chinese Patent Nos. 213464117(U), 213045846(U), and 211833263(U); Taiwan Patent Nos. 201944934 and 1688351; and Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. JP 2012125497, JP 5722022, JP 2010246890, JP 2009148618, JP 4950240, JP 2004298257, JP 4323196, JP 2002223843, JP 4683738, JP 09299138. None of these disclose a product palette in combination with a shock absorbing insert that protects the contents of a compact as disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a product pallet in combination with a shock absorbing insert for use in compact containers of the type described herein.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a product pallet in combination with a shock absorbing insert that protects the contents of a compact by reducing or eliminating damage to the contents of the compact caused by various shocks and vibrations.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cosmetic compact for one or more compressed powder products, the improvement being realized in the degree of stress the compact can withstand without damage to the compressed powder products.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a product pallet in combination with a shock absorbing insert that can be easily fitted into existing compact cases to reduce or eliminate damage to the contents of the compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention comprises a product pallet in combination with a shock absorbing insert. The pallet comprises one or more product reservoirs or wells. The shock absorbing insert is a flexible member capable of absorbing and dissipating shock or vibration energy. The present invention is also a compact case comprising a base, a shock absorbing insert disposed within the base, a product pallet resting on top of the shock absorbing insert, and a cover closing the base to protect the contents of the base. Separate features of the shock absorbing insert address side impacts and bottom impacts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the base and cover of a conventional compact. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows two embodiments of the base of the compact. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows two embodiments of the base of the compact. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a product pallet with four product wells. The pallet is shown as transparent only for ease of visualization. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a shock absorbing insert having curved legs. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a knee absorber insert having curved legs disposed within the base of a compact. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a shock absorbing insert having straight legs. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a knee absorber insert having straight legs disposed within the base of a compact. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a shock absorbing insert having sinusoidal legs. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a knee absorber insert having sinusoidal legs disposed within the base of a compact. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a shock absorbing insert suitable for a round compact. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a suitable shock absorbing insert or rectangular compact. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a shock absorbing insert designed to cushion bottom impacts. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the positional relationship between the product platform and the shock absorbing insert. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the product pallet disposed within the base of the compact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Throughout this specification, the terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," and the like are intended to consistently mean that the collection of objects is not limited to the objects specifically recited.

[0012] The product palette in combination with the shock absorbing insert according to the present invention is intended to be used in a container such as a compact for one or more cosmetic products. In the following description, the principles of the present invention are embodied in a cosmetic compact container. However, it will be readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to cosmetic compacts and that the principles of the present invention can be embodied in other types of containers.

[0013] Most common compacts have lateral dimensions (i.e., width and depth, or diameter) that are greater than the height of the compact. This type of cosmetic compact is relatively flat and planar, and easy to describe in relation to the present invention. Although there is no industry definition, consistent with the concept of a compact, it can be observed that many cosmetic compacts have a maximum lateral dimension of about 30 mm to about 305 mm. Preferably, the maximum lateral dimension is less than 305 mm, more preferably less than 150 mm, and even more preferably less than 100 mm. For example, in a rectangular compact, the maximum lateral dimension of the base refers to the longer side of the base. In a circular compact, the maximum lateral dimension of the base refers to the diameter of the base. In an oval compact, the maximum lateral dimension of the base refers to the long axis of the base.

[0014] A primary feature of the present invention is a product pallet in combination with a shock absorbing insert. The use of this combination in a cosmetic compact case (10) is described below. Such a case typically comprises a base (1), a product pallet (2) configured with one or more wells in which products can be held, a shock absorbing insert (3), and a cover (4).

[0015] base With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the base (1) of the compact (10) comprises a closed bottom (1a) bounded by a sidewall (1b). An interior space (1c) is defined by the closed bottom and the inner surface of the compact. The inner surface may be the inner surface (1d) of the sidewall (1b, see Figure 6) or the inner surface (1d') of some secondary sidewall (1b', see Figure 3). In the following description, for simplicity, reference is made to the inner surface (1d) of the sidewall (1b), but other inner surfaces would work equally well. Examples of common shapes of the interior space include circular, oval, square or rectangular, although this list is not exhaustive. The interior space is designed to accommodate a product pallet (2) and a shock absorbing insert (3).

[0016] cover The cover (4) protects the contents of the interior space (1c) of the base (1). The cover can assume an open and a closed position relative to the base (1). In the closed position, the cover is located on top of, or perhaps just inside, the top of the base, and the contents of the base are not normally accessible. In this position, the cover protects the contents of the base and reduces the occurrence of drying and contamination of the cosmetics. In the open configuration, the cosmetics contained within the base are normally accessible.

[0017] The cover may be removably secured to the base by an interference or snap fit or threaded engagement, or by any other known means. In such a case, the compact (10) is opened by removing the cover from the base. Alternatively, the cover may be secured to the base in a pivotal engagement, whereby the cover is movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. For example, the base-to-cover attachment may comprise a hinge (4a) cooperatively joining the base (1) and cover (4) by any means known in the art. The range of motion of the cover relative to the base may be from 0° (closed position) to at least about 90° (open position). To prevent this hinged cover from inadvertently opening, means may be provided for holding the cover in a closed position on the base. Examples known in the art include cooperating latch mechanisms or magnetic elements associated with the base and cover. The base and cover are typically made of one or more plastics by any suitable means, but may also be metal or a combination of materials selected for aesthetic effect. This type of compact is suitable for storing viscous products such as compressed powders and creams.

[0018] Product Palette The product pallet (2) described herein replaces one or more pans or what are commonly referred to as platforms that are commonly found in compacts. Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a product pallet according to the present invention. The product pallet is sized to be disposed within the interior space (1c) of the base (1). The product pallet comprises a top surface (2a), a bottom surface (2b) and one or more product wells (2c). The product pallet has an outer periphery (2d). Preferably, the overall shape of the outer periphery of the product pallet matches the overall shape of the interior space of the base. Preferably, the overall size of the product pallet is slightly smaller than the size of the interior space, thereby allowing the product pallet to move freely laterally within the interior space (1c) of the base (1). This differs from conventional compacts where the products are disposed within pans or other compartments that are fixedly attached to the base of the compact. In a preferred embodiment, the clearance between the outer periphery (2d) of the product pallet and the inner surface (1d) of the sidewall (1b) of the base is about 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The base may include a mechanism that hangs over the product pallet so that it cannot inadvertently fall off once placed in the base. For example, a lip or edge (1e, see FIG. 2) may hang slightly over the product pallet (2). Whatever means are used to hold the product pallet within the base, it is important that the product pallet be able to move freely laterally within the interior space of the base.

[0019] The product wells (2c) extend downward from the bottom surface (2b) of the product pallet (2) and can receive the products (P) that are presented to the consumer. Typically, different wells accommodate different products or variations of the same product, such as different shades of the same product. Figure 15 shows a product pallet with three filled wells (each with a different product) and one empty well. The number of wells is limited by the size of the product pallet and by the need to accommodate the shock absorbing inserts (3). In the figures, the product wells are shown as circular, but any cross-sectional shape may be used as appropriate. Typically, the product pallet (2) is made from plastic by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as injection molding or thermoforming.

[0020] Shock absorbing insert Several embodiments of the shock absorbing insert (3) are shown in Figures 5 to 13. The shock absorbing insert is sized to be disposed in the interior space (1c) of the base (1) below the product pallet (2) so that the product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert and is connected to the shock absorbing insert. The shock absorbing insert can exhibit elastic behavior due to the inherent properties of the material or due to the specific geometric shape of the insert, or both. The shock absorbing insert is composed of one or more hubs (3a) from which one or more protrusions extend.

[0021] Hub The shock absorbing insert (3) according to the present invention is composed of one or more hubs (3a). When the shock absorbing insert (3) has two or more hubs (see FIG. 12), adjacent hubs may be joined by flexible connectors (3h). Generally, one or more protrusions extend from each hub. In the following, two types of protrusions are described: protrusions that protect against side impacts and protrusions that protect against bottom impacts.

[0022] First type of protrusion (side impact) Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the first type of protrusion, one or more flexible legs (3c) extend from one or more hubs (3a) of the shock absorbing insert (3). Each leg has a proximal end (3d) and a distal end (3e). The proximal end is connected to the hub and the distal end approaches the inner surface (1d) of the side wall of the base (1). The legs act as flexible compression members, the purpose of which is to bend or buckle to absorb the force of an impact, particularly a side impact, and then return to its original shape. The number of legs extending from each hub may be selected to maximize the absorption effect, but typically there are between 2 and 10 legs. Preferably, the legs are spaced at approximately equal angular intervals around the hub. For example, in Figures 5, 7, 9 and 11, the shock absorbing insert comprises one central hub (3a) and four legs (3c) spaced approximately 90° apart. Alternatively, for example, in a base having a rounded interior space, a useful shock absorbing insert (3) may have three legs spaced at approximately 120° intervals.

[0023] When discussing the overall shape of the legs (3c), we refer to the shape of the legs along their length, as well as the cross-sectional shape of the legs. With respect to the cross-sectional shape of each leg, the figures show a rectangular cross-section with a constant width and a constant height. However, this feature is not absolutely necessary and other cross-sectional shapes are also useful. With respect to the shape of each leg along its length, the simplest embodiment is a straight leg (see Figures 7-8). However, it is also contemplated that an unlimited number of differently shaped legs may be effective in absorbing impact energy. Preferably, the legs are curved along their length, and curved legs are expected to bend and / or compress more easily and absorb more shock than straight legs. Also, each leg need not be identical, especially if the geometry of the interior space is not regular.

[0024] Particularly useful are flexible legs whose shape is sinusoidal along their length. For example, each leg shown in FIG. 9 is a sine wave having four complete cycles, and each leg shown in FIG. 5 is a 1 / 2 cycle of a sine wave. In practice, the number of cycles in a sinusoidal leg can vary from about 1 / 2 to about 20. The amplitude of the sine wave should also be considered. In general, the greater the amplitude, the more easily the leg will compress. We also contemplate that the amplitude within a leg need not be constant. For any particular application, the desired number of cycles in each leg and the amplitude of each cycle can be determined by trial and error. Similar to the sinusoidal flexible legs are sawtooth flexible legs, which are also useful.

[0025] At the distal end (3e) of each leg (3c) is a foot (3f). Preferably, the legs and feet meet at an angle of about 90°. Each foot has a length that places it directly adjacent to the inner surface (1d, 1d') of the sidewall (1b, 1b') of the base (1). In the rest position, the feet may be straight or curved (as in FIG. 11) to match the shape of the inner surface of the sidewall. In some embodiments, each foot of the shock absorbing insert (3) maintains constant contact with the inner surface of the sidewall such that there is some preload or compression on the legs (3c). The amount of preload should be kept small so that the legs can absorb the maximum amount of energy during impact. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing insert (3) is very slightly smaller than the interior space defined by the inner surface of the sidewall such that there is no preload on the legs. In either case, during an impact event, compression of the base enhances the contact between the inner surface of the sidewall and the foot of the shock absorbing insert. This contact is sufficient to transfer most of the impact energy to the foot of the shock absorbing insert.

[0026] Optionally, one or more struts (3g) may be provided at the contact points between the legs and the feet (see FIG. 5), which help maintain the orientation of the foot relative to the inner surface (1d) of the side wall (1b) of the base (1) by countering the tendency of the shock absorbing insert (3) to rotate out of position during impact.

[0027] The cross-sectional shape of the legs (3c) and feet (3f) is typically uniform, but may vary. In terms of material and density, the legs and feet may be uniformly solid in cross-section and may be made from plastic by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as injection molding or thermoforming. Alternatively, if more advanced manufacturing methods (such as additive manufacturing) are used, the legs and feet may have internal structures designed to absorb energy and dissipate it from the product pallet (2).

[0028] Shock waves from an impact causing deformation of the inner surface (1d) of the sidewall (1b) are first transmitted to the foot (3f) closest to the impact site. The energy of the impact is transferred to the remainder of the shock absorbing insert (3) via the associated legs (3c). The flexible legs fold and unfold. In this process, a significant portion of the impact energy is absorbed and dissipated before it can reach the product in the well (2c).

[0029] Protrusion - 2nd Type Referring to FIG. 13, in the second type of protrusion, one or more arms (3i) extend from one or more hubs (3a) of the shock absorbing insert (3). Each arm has a proximal end attached to the hub and a distal end remote from the hub. The arms may be rigid or flexible, but unlike the legs (3c), the purpose of the arms is not to act as compression members. Rather, some or each of the arms house one or more compression springs (3j). Each of the one or more compression springs is associated with one arm such that when the shock absorbing insert is disposed within the interior space (1c) of the base (1), the position of each compression spring is fixed relative to the closed bottom (1a) of the base. The compression springs are open coil helical springs designed to resist axially applied compression forces. Conical compression springs are preferred, which assume a minimum height when fully compressed.

[0030] As mentioned above, the position of each compression spring is fixed by its associated arm (3i) relative to the closed bottom (1a) of the base. For example, the compression spring may be physically attached to some portion of its associated arm (3i), such as the distal end of the arm of the shock absorbing insert (3). This may be achieved by interference fit, adhesive, integral molding of the arm and associated compression spring as a single component, or any other known means. Alternatively, the compression spring may be disposed within a joint (3m) that limits the lateral movement of the spring, while the spring itself remains physically separated from the associated arm. For example, in FIG. 13, the distal end of each arm (3i) may be formed as a ring (3m) within which the associated compression spring is disposed.

[0031] The compression springs (3j) are vertically oriented so that the bottom end (3k) of each spring rests on (or is supported by) the closed bottom (1a) of the base (1). At the same time, the top end (3l) of each spring lightly contacts or nearly contacts the bottom surface (2b) of the product pallet (2). The number of arms extending from each hub can be selected to maximize the absorbing effect of the springs. Shock waves from an impact that causes deformation of the closed bottom (1a) of the base (1) are damped by the compression springs (3j) of the shock absorbing insert (3).

[0032] The shock absorbing insert (3) may have a first type of protrusion (legs and feet) or a second type of protrusion (arms and springs) or both (as in FIG. 13). The first type of protrusion is more effective in cushioning the effect of an impact on the side wall (1b) of the compact (10). The second type of protrusion is more effective in cushioning the effect of an impact on the closed bottom (1a) of the base (1).

[0033] Regardless of the type of protrusion, it is important that the hub (3a) of the shock absorbing insert (3) maintains a physical connection to the product pallet (2). The physical connection ensures that all or most of the impact energy is not transferred to the product pallet. At the same time, the connection between the hub of the shock absorbing insert and the product pallet does not prevent the flexible legs (3c) from absorbing the force of the impact and then returning to their original shape. The connection between the hub of the shock absorbing insert and the product pallet can be achieved by various known means such as an interference fit, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, heat staking, chemical bonding, etc. A non-limiting example of an interference fit is described herein and shown in the drawings. The bottom surface (2b) of the product pallet (2) may be provided with one or more extensions (2e) that extend downwardly below the product pallet. For example, in FIG. 4, the extensions are shown as insertion pins (2e) that extend downwardly below the product pallet. Also, the one or more hubs have a channel (3b) for receiving one of the pins of the product pallet. The fit of each pin into the channel must be a tight enough precision fit to ensure that there is little or no relative movement between the pin of the product pallet and the hub of the shock absorbing insert. This ensures that all or most of the impact energy is not transferred to the product pallet. Locating each pin within the channel also ensures that the product pallet is accurately positioned on the shock absorbing insert. In some embodiments, the pins reach a depth equal to or less than the depth of the product well (2c). In other embodiments, the pins may be longer. In some embodiments of the invention, the product well (2c) of the product pallet (2) is located between the legs (3c) and / or arms (3i) of the shock absorbing insert (3) (see FIG. 14). In other embodiments, the entire product pallet, including the product well, is located above the shock absorbing insert.

[0034] As mentioned above, the product pallet (2) and shock absorbing insert (3) are not fixedly attached to the base of the compact. This means that the product pallet and shock absorbing insert combination can be designed for use in an existing compact without the need to modify the base of the existing compact. A suitably sized product pallet and shock absorbing insert combination can be simply dropped into an existing base. Furthermore, the relatively simple design of the product pallet and shock absorbing insert means that these parts can be mass produced at relatively low cost by conventional high volume injection molding.

Claims

1. A compact case comprising a base, a shock absorbing insert, and a product pallet, The base is A closed bottom; a sidewall having an inner surface; an interior space defined by the closed bottom and the interior surface; The shock absorbing insert comprises: one or more hubs; One or more flexible legs, each leg comprising: a proximal end connected to one of the hubs; and one or more flexible legs having a distal end proximate the inner surface of the base; a foot at the distal end of each leg, each foot adapted to lie adjacent the inner surface; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom surface and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; The product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert, both located within the interior space of the base.

2. 2. The compact case of claim 1, wherein the number of said flexible legs is at least two.

3. 10. The compact case of claim 1, wherein at least one flexible leg is straight or curved.

4. 4. The compact case of claim 3, wherein at least one flexible leg is sinusoidal.

5. Each hub has a channel, 2. The compact case of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the product pallet comprises an extension that extends downwardly into the channel of the hub.

6. 2. The compact case of claim 1, wherein the product pallet has an outer periphery, and a clearance between the outer periphery of the product pallet and the inner surface of the base is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

7. The shock absorbing insert is one or more arms attached to the one or more hubs; 10. The compact case of claim 1, further comprising: one or more vertically oriented compression springs, each compression spring associated with one of the arms such that the position of each compression spring is fixed relative to the closed bottom of the base by its associated arm.

8. A compact case comprising a base, a shock absorbing insert, and a product pallet, The base is A closed bottom; a sidewall having an inner surface; an interior space defined by the closed bottom and the interior surface; The shock absorbing insert comprises: one or more hubs; one or more arms attached to the one or more hubs; one or more vertically oriented compression springs, each compression spring associated with one of the arms; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom surface and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; The product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert, both located within the interior space of the base.

9. 9. The compact case of claim 8, wherein the number of arms is at least two.

10. Each hub has a channel, 9. The compact case of claim 8, wherein the bottom surface of the product pallet includes an extension that extends downwardly into the channel of the hub.

11. 9. The compact case of claim 8, wherein the product pallet has a perimeter, and a clearance between the perimeter of the product pallet and the inner surface of the side wall of the base is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

12. A combination product pallet and shock absorbing insert for use within a compact case, comprising: The shock absorbing insert comprises: one or more hubs; One or more flexible legs, each leg comprising: a proximal end connected to one of the hubs; one or more flexible legs having a distal end; a foot located at the distal end of each leg; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom surface and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; The product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert, a combined product pallet and shock absorbing insert.

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