Closing mechanism for a product container

Abstract

The cosmetic container may include a cap body having first and second ends and defining a cap cavity, a cap liner operably coupled to the cap body and movable along the length of the cap body, an elastic member operably coupled to one of the cap body or the cap liner, and a coupling protrusion operably coupled to the other of the cap liner or the cap body. In response to the cap body moving in a first direction relative to the cap liner, the elastic member slidably engages the coupling protrusion and moves to a position where energy is stored. Continuing to move the cap body relative to the cap liner biases the cap body in the first direction against the elastic member.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Cosmetic products, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products can be provided in several different containers and can be applied using several different techniques. In some examples, such containers can include a cap portion and a body portion that are operably coupled to each other for storage and / or presentation purposes. Existing systems can use several techniques, such as magnets, to ensure that the two parts remain coupled to each other. The use of magnets and / or magnetic materials can provide a guarantee that the package remains closed, but such materials cannot be discarded in a sustainable manner and can thus lead to environmental waste. Furthermore, magnets require significant processing and energy to produce, which can be counterproductive to dyeability as it results in environmental waste. Other systems can incorporate friction fit joints, screw joints, etc., but such systems may not provide sufficient bonding strength between the container parts, and as a result, the product may accidentally open and / or otherwise be damaged.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system with improved functionality.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to a closure system for a container of a cosmetic product and / or other products. Such a cosmetic product container has a cap body having first and second ends and defining a cap cavity, a cap liner operatively coupled to the cap body and movable along the length of the cap body, an elastic member operatively coupled to one of the cap body or the cap liner, and a coupling protrusion operatively coupled to the other of the cap liner or the cap body. In response to the cap body moving in a first direction relative to the cap liner, the elastic member slidably engages the coupling protrusion and moves to a position where energy is stored. Continuing to move the cap body relative to the cap liner biases the cap body in the first direction by the elastic member.

[0005] In one approach, the coupling protrusion includes a tapered body having an engagement surface, and the elastic member includes fingers adapted to slidably engage the engagement surface of the tapered body. In these and other approaches, the elastic member may include a plurality of arms. Further, in some examples, the tapered body may include a track adapted to slidably engage the elastic member.

[0006] In some examples, the cosmetic product may further include a base having a neck adapted to couple with the cap liner. When the cap liner is coupled to the base and the cap body is moved in a direction toward the base, the elastic member moves to a position where energy is stored.

[0007] According to a second aspect, the container includes a first body having an elastic member operably coupled to or formed with the first body, and a second body having a coupling protrusion operably coupled to or formed with the second body. The first body extends along a longitudinal axis. The second body is adapted to move in a first direction and operably couple with a first portion of the first body. When the first body is operably coupled with the second body, the elastic member engages the coupling protrusion and is adapted to move in a second direction, which is different from the first direction.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a cosmetic product container includes a cap body having a first end and a second end and defining a cap cavity, a second body operably coupled to and adapted to operably couple with the cap body, an elastic member operably coupled to one of the cap body or the second body, and a coupling protrusion operably coupled to the other of the cap body or the second body. The elastic member is movable between an initial position, a position where energy is stored, and a position where no energy is stored. The coupling protrusion is adapted to slidably engage the elastic member. When the cap body is operably coupled with the second body, the coupling protrusion biases the elastic member from the initial position to the position where energy is stored. Continuing to move the cap body and the second body relative to each other moves the elastic member to the position where no energy is stored, thereby fixing the cap body to the second body.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect, a cosmetic product container includes a cap body having a first end and a second end and defining a cap cavity, a cap liner operably coupled to the cap body and movable relative to the length of the cap body, an elastic member operably coupled to one of the cap body or the cap liner and movable relative to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner, and a base adapted to operably couple to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner. Responsive to moving the cap body in a first direction toward the base, the cap liner moves in a second direction relative to the cap body and the elastic member moves in a third direction relative to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner to bias the cap body toward the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The above need is at least partially satisfied by providing one, two or more, or any combination of the techniques for a closure system for a product container described in the following "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention", especially when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

[0011] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative arrangements of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to assist in understanding the various examples. Also, in commercially realizable examples, general and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary are often not depicted to facilitate figures that are not likely to impede these various examples. It will be further understood that specific operations and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to order is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as would be given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless a different specific meaning is separately set forth herein.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various techniques, a closed system is provided for cosmetic, hair care, body care, skin care, and / or other products that enables a highly reliable coupling of the separate components of a container in a safe manner. Such a closed system is provided that does not include magnets or magnetic materials, and thus provides a more environmentally friendly container that not only reduces packaging and manufacturing costs, but can also be recycled or otherwise discarded in a sustainable manner.

[0013] Referring to the drawings, a container 100 is provided for containing and discharging a cosmetic substance 101. As described above, the cosmetic substance 101 can be in the form of a cosmetic product, a hair care product, a body care product, a skin care product, and / or any other similar product. The example illustrated represents a cosmetic substance 101 in the form of a lipstick product or a lip gloss product, but any number of alternative examples are possible.

[0014] Container 100 includes a cap body 102, a cap liner 110, a base 120, and a closing mechanism 130. The cap body 102 (which in some examples may be regarded as a first body) includes a first end 102a, a second end 102b, and a cap cavity 102c. In some examples, the cap cavity 102c receives at least a portion of the cosmetic substance 101 when the cap body 102 is coupled to the base 120. The cap body 102 extends along a longitudinal axis "A". The cap liner 110 (which in some examples may be regarded as a second body) is disposed at least partially within the cap cavity 102c and includes a first end 110a and a second end 110b. The cap liner 110 is at least partially hollow and thus may also receive at least a portion of the cosmetic substance 101 therein. The cap liner 110 may be movably coupled to the cap body 102 to allow for relative movement in a direction along the longitudinal axis A between the cap liner 110 and the cap body 102. The cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 may be movably coupled to each other via any number of suitable techniques, such as, for example, a channel-projection configuration, a sliding configuration, a nested configuration, etc. Other examples are possible. The illustrated cap body 102 includes several external features and / or components, but it should be recognized that in some examples, the cap body 102 (as well as other components of the container 100) may have fewer external features or no external features at all, as desired.

[0015] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, in some examples, the first end 110a of the cap liner 110 can be configured to project outwardly beyond the first end 102a of the cap body 102 in a first position, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first end 110a of the cap liner 110 can be disposed within the cap cavity 102c in a second position. The cap body 102, the cap liner 110, and other components are illustrated as being in a generally cylindrical form, but it should be recognized that such components can take any number of desired shapes and / or configurations, such as, for example, rectangular prisms, cubes, and / or other prismatic shapes, or similar shapes.

[0016] The base 120 includes a cavity 120a that is adapted to receive and / or hold the cosmetic material 101. It should be recognized that in some examples, the base 120 can alternatively be considered a second body. The cosmetic material 101 can be operably coupled to and / or held by the base 120 using any number of suitable techniques. The base 120 further includes a neck portion 122 extending therefrom. In some examples, the neck portion 122 is in the form of a stepped platform that forms any number of ledges or ridges. Other configurations of the neck portion are possible, such as, for example, an inclined configuration and / or a tapered configuration.

[0017] The closing mechanism 130 is provided to cause relative movement between a first body and a second body, which are the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 in the illustrated example. As described above, in some alternative examples, this relative movement may exist between the cap body 102 and the base 120. Generally speaking, the closing mechanism 130 includes an elastic member 132 and a coupling protrusion 140 that interact with each other to cause relative movement between the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110. More specifically, in some examples, the elastic member 132 may be coupled to the cap body 102 or the cap liner 110, while the coupling protrusion 140 may be coupled to the other of the cap liner 110 or the cap body 102. Such relative coupling can occur via any number of suitable techniques, for example, via the use of an adhesive applied to the desired surfaces of the cap body 102 and / or the cap liner 110, or by integrally forming a portion or portions of the elastic member 132 and / or the coupling protrusion 140 with the cap body 102 and / or the cap liner 110. Other examples are possible.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the illustrated elastic member 132 is in the form of a spring having any number of arms 133. In the illustrated example, each arm 133 includes a first portion 133a and a second portion 133b that are angled relative to each other or otherwise bent. In some examples, the first portion 133a and the second portion 133b are formed from a single elongate material and are bent at some point between these portions. Each arm 133 of the elastic member 132 can be constructed from an elastic or flexible material that can selectively move between a relaxed (i.e., no energy is stored) position and a compressed (i.e., energy is stored) position. For example, the arm(s) 133 can be constructed from a metallic material, a polymer, and / or any other suitable material. In the illustrated example, the first portion 133a of the arm 133 is attached to or otherwise coupled to a fixed portion. Further, in some examples, each of the arms 133 is arranged in a mirror-image, upside-down position such that the first portion 133a of one arm 133 is angled in an opposite direction to the first portion 133a of the other arm 133. Such a configuration can provide a relatively uniform force distribution and result in a smoother sliding engagement with the coupling protrusion 140. Any number of alternative configurations are possible.

[0019] The finger 134 is positioned at the end of the second portion 133b of each arm 133. Generally speaking, the finger 134 can be in the form of a knob or nodule and is slidably engaged with the coupling protrusion 140 and adapted to compress each arm 133 or store energy in each arm 133. It should be appreciated that the elastic member 132 can include any number of arms having any number of portions and / or fingers as desired. Further, it should be appreciated that any number of elastic members 132 can be provided and coupled to the components of the container 100.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 8, the coupling projection 140 includes a tapered portion 141 having an engagement surface 142. In the illustrated example, the tapered portion 141 forms a generally diamond shape or a generally rhombic shape in which the first end 141a and the second end 141b have dimensions smaller than the intermediate region 141c. The tapered portion 141 may extend inwardly or outwardly from a surface (e.g., the inner or outer surface of the cap liner 110 or the inner surface of the cap body 102), and thus defines an engagement surface 142 with which the fingers 134 of the elastic member 132 can slidably engage. In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the coupling projection 140 may also include a track 143 extending around the engagement surface 142, as well as a length near the first end 141a of the tapered portion 141. Such a track 143 may be formed by additional walls, depressions, and / or protrusions. Other examples are possible.

[0021] In some examples, the fingers 134 of each arm 133 may be disposed within the track 143. Since the elastic member 132 and the coupling projection 140 are coupled or formed with the cap body 102 or the cap liner 110 (or in some examples, the base 120), the elastic member 132 and the coupling projection 140 cause relative movement between the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 (or in some examples, the base 120). More specifically, referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in a first configuration (e.g., a configuration in which the cap body 102 is decoupled from the base 120), the arms 133 may be in an initial position. In some examples, in this initial position, the arms may be in a state where no energy is stored. Moving the cap body 102 relative to the cap liner 110 causes the fingers 133 to slide along the track 143 (if present in the example) until they engage the first end 141a of the tapered portion 141 of the coupling projection 140.

[0022] By continuously biasing the cap body 102 against the cap liner 110, the finger(s) 134 are moved outwardly (i.e., in a non-parallel direction different from the longitudinal axis A) along the engagement surface 142, and thus each arm 133 is compressed. When the finger 134 advances to the intermediate region 141c of the tapered portion 141, the arm 133 of the is in a position where a second energy is stored. When the cap body 102 is biased against the cap liner 110 beyond the top location where the finger 134 crosses the intermediate region 141c, the arm 133 is "released" to compress the finger 134 and slide it against the engagement surface 142. The stored energy in the arm 133 causes the finger 134 to further cross the tapered portion 141 in the first direction (along the longitudinal axis A) without the need for user input. Finally, the finger 134 advances to the second end 141b of the tapered portion 141, and the arm 133 is in a position where no energy is stored (or relatively less energy is stored compared to the position where energy is stored).

[0023] One of the elastic member 132 or the coupling protrusion 140 is coupled to one of the first body or the second body (i.e., the cap body 102, the cap liner 110, or the base 120), and the other of the coupling protrusion 140 or the elastic member 132 is coupled to the second body or the first body. Therefore, when the elastic member 132 engages with the coupling protrusion 140, the relative movement between them causes relative movement between the first body and the second body. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, the first body is in the form of the cap body 102, and the second body is in the form of the cap liner 110. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in some examples, in this initial position where the cap body 102 is not coupled to the base 120, the first end 110a of the cap liner 110 protrudes outward from the first end 102a of the cap body 102. However, in other examples (not shown), the first end 110a of the cap liner 110 may not protrude outward from the first end 102a of the cap body 102 in order to provide a continuous and visually simple design. In any of these examples, at this position, the fingers 134 of the elastic member 132 are disposed within the track 143 of the coupling protrusion 140 and / or near the first end 141a of the tapered portion 141. In this initial position, due to the fact that the arm 133 is in an initial position that requires sufficient force to overcome the relaxation spring force of each arm 133, there is little or no relative movement between the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 10, when the user attempts to close the container 100, the user can place the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 onto the base 120 by moving the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 in a first direction (i.e., the direction towards the base 120). In the illustrated example, the cosmetic product 101 can then be disposed at least partially within the cap cavity 102c. Generally, this relative coupling movement in the first direction occurs along the longitudinal axis A. Eventually, the first end 110a of the cap liner 110 abuts or otherwise contacts the neck 122 of the base 120. Such contact prevents the cap liner 110 from moving further in the first direction.

[0025] If the user continues to urge the cap body 102 in the first direction, relative movement between the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 begins. This relative movement causes the finger 134 of the elastic member 132 to move along the track 143 and slidably engage the engaging surface 142 of the tapered portion 141. As described above, while the finger 134 advances from the first end 141a to the intermediate region 141c, the arm 133 moves in a second direction that is perpendicular or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis A (e.g., by compressing the first portion 133a and the second portion 133b) to a position where their energy is stored.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 11, when the user biases the cap body 102 until the finger 134 passes through the intermediate region 142c of the tapered portion 141, the stored energy in the arm 133 is released so that the finger 134 advances toward the second end 141b of the tapered portion 141. This advancement causes the cap body 102 to be brought closer to or otherwise advanced in a first direction toward the base 120 until the first end 102a of the cap body abuts and / or otherwise contacts or engages a portion of the base 120. This engagement or contact between the cap body 102 and the base 120 stops the cap body 120 from moving further in the first direction. In some examples, the arm 133 may be in a position where no energy is stored when engaged in this way. In other examples, the arm 133 may still be partially energized when engaged in this way. In either of these examples, the arm 133 may provide resistance to removal of the cap 102 from the base 120 as a way to keep the components joined together and the container in a closed configuration.

[0027] As described above, in some examples, the arm 133 of the elastic member 132 moves in a direction that is perpendicular or otherwise non-parallel to the direction of relative movement between the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 (i.e., along the longitudinal axis A). When arranged in this way, the closure mechanism 130 may convert the relative sliding movement between the elastic member 132 and the coupling projection 140 into different directions, thus enabling a compact closure mechanism design.

[0028] To remove the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 from the base 120, the user can pull the cap body 102 in a third direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the first direction). Such pulling causes the arm 133 to slidably engage with the engaging surface 142 and move from the second end 141b of the tapered portion 141 to its intermediate region 141c. As described above, at this point, the arm 133 stores energy in this position. When the user releases the cap body 102, it should be recognized that before the arm 133 passes through the intermediate region 141c of the tapered portion 141, the arm 133 moves the cap body 102 in the first direction to "close" the container 100. However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the user biases the cap body 102 at the point where the finger 134 passes through the intermediate region 141c of the tapered portion 141, the arm 133 is released and exerts a force on the cap body 102, moving the cap body in the third direction until the cap body 102 extends upward from the cap liner 110. The user can then pull the cap body 102 and the cap liner 110 away from the base 120 to apply the cosmetic product 101.

[0029] The previous example described the relative movement between the cap body 102, the cap liner 110, and the base 120. However, in some examples (not shown), it should be recognized that the container 100 may not include the cap liner 110 or the cap liner 110 may not move relative to the cap body 102. In such examples, the base 120 may be operatively coupled to one of the elastic member 132 or the coupling protrusion 140, and the cap body 102 or the cap liner 110 (if present) may be operatively coupled to the other of the coupling protrusion 140 or the elastic member 132. Thus, the cap body 102 and the base 120 still move relative to each other to advance the finger 134 along the engaging surface of the tapered portion 141.

[0030] Also, it should be recognized that the coupling protrusion 140 can be provided in any number of various shapes and / or configurations. As non-limiting alternative examples, FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternative coupling protrusions 240, 340, 440 that can be incorporated within the coupling mechanism 130. These coupling protrusions 240, 340, 440 include similar features to the coupling protrusion 140 and thus are provided with reference numerals having the same two-digit suffix. For the sake of brevity, such components are not described in further detail. The speed and / or smoothness of the closing mechanism 130 can be modified by providing coupling protrusions having various shapes, sizes, or other configurations.

[0031] Also, it should be recognized that the elastic member 132 can be provided in any number of various shapes and / or configurations. As a non-limiting alternative example, FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative elastic member 532 that can be incorporated within the coupling mechanism 130. This elastic member 532 can include similar features to the elastic member 132 and thus is provided with a reference numeral having the same two-digit suffix. For the sake of brevity, such components are not described in further detail. In this example, the elastic member 532 includes any number of arms 533 that extend in a generally linear direction. The speed and / or smoothness of the closing mechanism can be modified by providing the elastic member with various shapes, number of arms, and different spring constants.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 16-18, an alternative container 600 is provided having many of the features described with respect to FIGS. 1-15. Thus, the container 600 is provided with reference numerals having the same two-digit suffix as the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-15. For the sake of brevity, such components are not described in substantial detail. However, in this example, the base 620 includes a retaining mechanism 624 in the form of a notch or channel that can engage a corresponding retaining mechanism 614 on the cap liner 610 in the form of a protrusion. Such components can engage with each other to provide additional retaining force to ensure that the cap body 602 does not inadvertently disengage from the base 620.

[0033] In some alternative configurations (not shown), the coupling protrusion or elastic member can be angled to cause a twisting operation when engaged with the closure mechanism. Further, in some alternative examples, each side of the coupling protrusion can be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis. Such modifications can provide any number of desired closing motions.

[0034] In some examples (not shown), the cap body and cap liner can be enclosed within an additional outer cap. This outer cap can be provided to prevent the user from noticing relative movement between components during use.

[0035] When so arranged, the mechanisms described herein can provide a smooth and customizable closure to securely close the container in a closed configuration. Such a system can also result in a significant reduction in packaging waste due to the recyclability of the container, and further a reduction in manufacturing costs. The containers described herein do not contain potential product contaminants and can thus be used with any number of various cosmetic products, hair care products, body care products, skin care products, fragrance products, and the like. The closure mechanisms described herein can be modified to accommodate packaging having any desired shape, size, and / or configuration, and such containers can incorporate any number of desired closure mechanisms therein.

[0036] The exemplary cosmetic products and cosmetic containers illustrated in the drawings are in the form of lipstick or lip gloss products, but it should be recognized that the techniques described herein can be suitable for any number of containers, including cosmetic product containers, hair care product containers, body care product containers, skin care product containers, fragrance containers, and the like. Other examples are possible.

[0037] The foregoing specification describes specific embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather 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.

[0038] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that can produce or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as important, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined only by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of the issued claims.

[0039] Furthermore, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require, nor imply, 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, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Elements followed by "comprises...a", "has...a", "includes...a", or "contains...a" do not, without further limitation, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains such element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other variation thereof are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as being 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 being connected, not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure "configured" in a certain way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0040] This abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It 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 above "DETAILED DESCRIPTION", it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of the disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the subject matter of the invention may lie in less than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the "DETAILED DESCRIPTION", and each claim stands on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0041] The last claims of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f), unless conventional means-plus-function language, such as the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly recited in the claim.

Claims

**Claim 1** A cosmetic product container comprising: a cap body having a first end and a second end and defining a cap cavity; a cap liner operatively coupled to the cap body and movable along the length of the cap body; an elastic member operatively coupled to one of the cap body or the cap liner; and a coupling protrusion operatively coupled to the other of the cap liner or the cap body, wherein the elastic member is adapted to slidably engage the coupling protrusion and move to a position where energy is stored in response to movement of the cap body in a first direction relative to the cap liner, and continuing to move the cap body relative to the cap liner biases the cap body in the first direction by the elastic member. **Claim 2** The cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the coupling protrusion includes a tapered body having an engagement surface, and the elastic member includes fingers adapted to slidably engage the engagement surface of the tapered body. **Claim 3** The cosmetic product according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member includes a plurality of arms. **Claim 4** The cosmetic product according to claim 2, wherein the tapered body includes a track adapted to slidably engage the elastic member. **Claim 5** The cosmetic product according to claim 1, further comprising a base having a neck adapted to couple with the cap liner, wherein when the cap liner is coupled to the base and the cap body is moved in a direction toward the base, the elastic member moves to the position where the energy is stored. **Claim 6** A container comprising: a first body having an elastic member operatively coupled to the first body or formed with the first body and extending along a longitudinal axis; a second body having a coupling protrusion operatively coupled to the second body or formed with the second body and adapted to move in a first direction and operatively couple with a first portion of the first body; wherein when the first body is operatively coupled to the second body, the elastic member engages the coupling protrusion and is adapted to move in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction. **Claim 7** The container according to claim 6, wherein the second direction is a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first body.

8. The container according to claim 6, wherein the coupling protrusion includes a tapered body having an engaging surface, and the elastic member includes fingers adapted to slidably engage with the engaging surface of the tapered body.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the elastic member includes a plurality of arms.

10. The container according to claim 8, wherein the tapered body includes a track adapted to slidably engage with the elastic member.

11. The container according to claim 6, wherein one of the first body or the second body includes a container cap, and the other of the first body or the second body includes a container base.

12. The container according to claim 6, wherein one of the first body or the second body includes a container cap, and the other of the first body or the second body includes a container cap liner.

13. A cosmetic product container, a cap body having a first end and a second end and defining a cap cavity, a second body operably coupled to the cap body and adapted to operably couple with the cap body, an elastic member operably coupled to one of the cap body or the second body, the elastic member being movable between an initial position, a position where energy is stored, and a position where no energy is stored, a coupling protrusion operably coupled to the other of the cap body or the second body, the coupling protrusion being adapted to slidably engage with the elastic member, When the cap body is operably coupled to the second body, the coupling protrusion biases the elastic member from the initial position to the position where energy is stored, and continuously moving the cap body and the second body relative to each other can move the elastic member to the position where no energy is stored, whereby the cap body is fixed to the second body. A cosmetic product container.

14. The cosmetic product container according to claim 13, wherein the coupling protrusion includes a tapered body having an engaging surface, and the elastic member includes fingers adapted to slidably engage with the engaging surface of the tapered body.

15. The cosmetic product container according to claim 14, wherein the elastic member includes a plurality of arms.

16. The cosmetic product container according to claim 13, wherein the second body includes a container liner or a container base.

17. A cosmetic product container, a cap body having a first end and a second end and defining a cap cavity, a cap liner operably coupled to the cap body and movable relative to the length of the cap body, an elastic member operably coupled to one of the cap body or the cap liner and movable relative to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner, and a base adapted to operably couple to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner, wherein in response to moving the cap body in a first direction toward the base, the cap liner moves in a second direction relative to the cap body and the elastic member moves in a third direction relative to at least one of the cap body or the cap liner to bias the cap body toward the base.

18. The cosmetic product container according to claim 18, further comprising a coupling protrusion operably coupled to the cap body, the cap liner, or the base, the coupling protrusion being adapted to slidably engage the elastic member in response to moving the cap body in the first direction toward the base.

19. The cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the coupling protrusion includes a tapered body having an engagement surface, and the elastic member includes fingers adapted to slidably engage the engagement surface of the tapered body.

20. The cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member includes a plurality of arms.

Images