Cosmetic product container and holding mechanism

Abstract

The cosmetic product includes a cup and a cosmetic substance. The cup has a cup body including a first end and a second end and forming a cup cavity, and a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity, the liner including the first end and the second end and an inner sidewall forming the liner cavity. The liner is composed of a swellable material. The cosmetic substance has a first end and a second end and an elongated body therebetween. At least a portion of the elongated body is positionable within the liner cavity and contacts a portion of the inner sidewall. When at least a portion of the cosmetic substance is disposed within the liner cavity, the liner is adapted to swell toward the cosmetic substance to apply a holding force to the cosmetic substance.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Cosmetic, hair, body, and / or skin care products may be provided in several different containers and applied using several different techniques. For example, a lipstick or lip balm product may be in the form of an elongated tube or cylinder disposed in a protective container. Such a container may allow the cosmetic substance to be selectively advanced to an extended position relative to the container and applied by a user. The cosmetic substance may be a generally solid but relatively soft molded composition that may be inserted into a cavity in a holding cup. If the container is inadvertently dropped or otherwise pushed, the cosmetic substance may be damaged, broken, or otherwise removed from the holding cup. In some examples, the holding cup (or other features of the container) may include separate retention members in the form of hooks, elongated ribs, or similar components that may be biased into the cosmetic substance in an attempt to prevent or otherwise limit movement of the cosmetic substance relative to the cup and container during such an inadvertent drop or impact. However, these features may create localized stress points that may ultimately deform or otherwise damage the cosmetic substance.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved accessories with improved functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An example within the scope of the present disclosure is directed to a cosmetic product container and retention mechanism that may include a cup and a cosmetic substance. The cup has a cup body including a first end and a second end and forming a cup cavity, and a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity, the liner including the first end and the second end and an inner sidewall forming the liner cavity. The liner is composed of a swellable material. The cosmetic substance has a first end and a second end and an elongated body therebetween. At least a portion of the elongated body is positionable within the liner cavity and contacts a portion of the inner sidewall. Upon placement of at least a portion of the cosmetic substance within the liner cavity, the liner is adapted to swell toward the cosmetic substance to apply a retention force to the cosmetic substance.

[0005] In one approach, the product further includes an outer container having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity, the cup being at least partially positionable within the container cavity.

[0006] In these and other approaches, the liner may be constructed from one of polyolefin, synthetic rubber materials including ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM), or silicone rubber. In some of these examples, the liner may be co-injected with the cup body. The cup body may be formed from a second, non-swelling material. In other examples, the liner may be formed separately and operably coupled to the cup body.

[0007] In some configurations, the liner may surround the entire perimeter of the cosmetic substance. In some of these configurations, the liner may include an elongated retaining member disposed on an inner sidewall of the liner that extends into the liner cavity. In these and other configurations, a cup retaining member disposed on the outer surface of the cup body may be provided. The cup retaining member may be aligned with the elongated retaining member. Furthermore, the cup retaining member may exert a biasing force toward the cup cavity upon insertion of the cup into the container cavity.

[0008] In some approaches, the liner may further include a floor member positioned at or near a first end of the liner. The first end of the cosmetic material may abut the floor member.

[0009] According to a second aspect, a retention mechanism for retaining a cosmetic substance includes a cup body having a first end and a second end and forming a cup cavity, and a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity. The liner includes the first end and the second end and an inner sidewall forming the liner cavity, and is constructed from a swellable material. The liner swells when a cosmetic substance is placed within the liner cavity such that the liner exerts a retention force on the cosmetic substance, retaining the cosmetic within the liner cavity.

[0010] According to a third aspect, a method for assembling a cosmetic product includes providing a cup including a cup body having a first end and a second end and forming a cup cavity, and a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity. The liner includes the first end and the second end and an inner sidewall forming the liner cavity, and is constructed from a swellable material. The method further includes providing a cosmetic substance having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body therebetween, and disposing at least a portion of the elongated body of the cosmetic substance within the liner cavity so that the cosmetic substance contacts a portion of the inner sidewall. In response to the cosmetic substance contacting the portion of the inner sidewall, the liner swells toward the cosmetic substance to apply a holding force to the cosmetic substance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The above needs are met, at least in part, by providing one, two or more, or any combination of, the cosmetic product containers and retention mechanisms described in the detailed description below, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary cosmetic product, according to various examples. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of the exemplary cosmetic product of FIG. 1 with an exemplary retention feature, according to various examples. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various examples. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIG. 3 upon inserting a cosmetic substance therein, according to various examples.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will understand that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are often not depicted in order to facilitate easy depiction of these various examples. It will be further understood that certain acts and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence, although 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 phrases used herein have the ordinary technical meanings as given to such terms and phrases by those skilled in the art, as set forth above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Generally speaking, these various approaches provide cosmetic product containers and retention mechanisms that adequately retain cosmetic substances during use and in the event of inadvertent dropping and / or bumping. The approaches described herein provide firm retention of cosmetic substances while reducing or eliminating potentially harmful stress areas. Thus, the systems described herein can be used to contain and retain a multitude of cosmetic substances with varying degrees of material flexibility.

[0014] Referring to the drawings, a cosmetic product 100 for containing and applying a cosmetic substance 101 is provided. The cosmetic product 100 includes a base 102, a track 108, an inner body 112, a shell 116, and a retention mechanism 120. In the illustrated example, the cosmetic substance 101 is in the form of a lipstick or lip balm product. It should be understood that the cosmetic substance 101 may be any type of cosmetic, hair, body, and / or skin care product that can be applied to a user. Other examples are possible. In some of these examples, the cosmetic substance 101 may include strong or otherwise harsh chemicals and / or ingredients, such as, for example, volatile substances. The cosmetic substance 101 includes a first end 101a, a second end 101b, and an elongated body 101c extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis ("A"). Additionally, the cosmetic substance 101 defines an outer cross-sectional dimension ("DO"). In the illustrated example, the outer cross-sectional dimension DO is in the form of an outer diameter or circumference. However, other examples are possible.

[0015] Generally speaking, the base 102 at least partially holds the components of the cosmetic product 100 in a base cavity 103. The base cavity 103 defines a ledge 104 formed on an interior surface and further includes a securing mechanism 105 formed on an exterior surface thereof. The securing mechanism 105 may be used to engage a portion of a cap (not illustrated) that conceals the cosmetic substance 101 for storage purposes. Any number of suitable securing mechanisms 105 may be used, such as, for example, a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, a threaded connection, etc. Other examples are possible.

[0016] The track 108 is at least partially disposed within the base cavity 103 and includes a first end 108a and a second end 108b, defining a channel 109. The inner body (which may be referred to in some examples as an outer container) 112 is at least partially disposed within the base cavity 103 and includes an inner surface 113 and a notch 114. The shell 116 is also at least partially disposed within the base cavity 103 and is provided to prevent a user from observing these components. The shell 116 includes a lip 117 that engages a portion of the inner body 112 to limit movement along the longitudinal axis A. It should be understood that any of the base 102, track 108, inner body 112, and / or shell 116 may include any number of additional features and / or components that aid in the use of the cosmetic product 100, but for the sake of brevity, such features and / or components will not be described in substantial detail herein.

[0017] A retention mechanism 120 is provided that securely holds the cosmetic substance 101. The retention mechanism 120 includes a cup 122 having a cup body 124 and a liner 134. The cup body 124 includes a first end 124a, a second end 124b, an inner sidewall 124c, and a cup cavity 125. Generally speaking, the cosmetic substance 101 is at least partially disposed within the cup cavity 125 (by being disposed within a portion of the liner 134, as described below). The cup body 124 further includes a cup retaining member 130. In some examples, the cup body 124 may be constructed from a non-swelling material.

[0018] 2 , the cup body 124 is adapted to be disposed within the inner body 112. When the cup body 124 is coupled to the inner body 112, the cup retaining member 130 is positioned within the notch 114 of the inner body 112 to prevent or otherwise limit relative movement between the inner body 112 and the cup body 124. In some of these instances, such coupling between the inner body 112 and the cup body 124 may exert an inward biasing or compressive force. When so disposed, both the first and second locating notches 126, 128 extend inward into the cup cavity 125.

[0019] The liner 134 is at least partially disposed or positioned within the cup cavity 125 and includes a first end 134a, a second end 134b, and an inner sidewall 134c. The inner sidewall 134c at least partially defines the liner cavity 135. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the liner 134 can be positioned adjacent to or near the first end 124a of the cup body 124 to help prevent the liner 134 from advancing downwardly along the longitudinal axis A in instances where the cup body 124 includes a floor member.

[0020] In some examples, the liner 134 may be formed separately or separately from the cup body 124 and may be operably coupled to the cup body via any number of suitable techniques, such as, for example, adhesives, a friction fit connection, ultrasonic welding, etc. Other examples are possible. Additionally, in some examples (not illustrated), the inner sidewall 124c of the cup body 124 may include channels or other locating or retaining features that assist in aligning the liner 134. In yet other configurations, the liner 134 may be co-injected with the cup body 124. As described below, in some examples, the liner 134 is constructed from a different material than the cup body 124.

[0021] All or any desired portion of the liner 134 may be composed of any number of swellable materials, depending on the composition of the cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, the materials used to form the liner 134 are selected based on whether they undergo a chemical reaction upon contact with the cosmetic substance 101. As a non-limiting example, if the cosmetic substance 101 includes isododecane, the liner 134 may be at least partially composed of a polyolefin. In another example, if the cosmetic substance 101 includes castor oil, the liner 134 may be at least partially composed of a synthetic rubber material including ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM). In yet another example, if the cosmetic substance 101 includes mannitol, the liner 134 may be at least partially composed of a silicone rubber. In any of these and other examples, the liner 134 is at least partially composed of a material that is "incompatible" with the composition of the cosmetic substance 101. Such "incompatibility" between the materials may cause swelling between the materials when they come into contact with each other.

[0022] Due to the material "incompatibility" between the liner 134 and the cosmetic substance 101, a chemical reaction occurring therebetween may be utilized. More specifically, in these and other examples, the liner 134 may swell upon contact with the cosmetic substance 101. As illustrated in FIG. 3, prior to contact between the liner 134 and the cosmetic substance 101, the liner 134 may define an initial inner cross-sectional dimension DI. As illustrated in FIG. 4, upon insertion or placement of the cosmetic substance 101 within the liner cavity 135, the liner 134 may define a swollen inner cross-sectional dimension DS. In some examples, the resulting swelling of the liner 134 may reduce the swollen inner cross-sectional dimension DS by about 1% to about 10%, depending on the respective material composition. Other examples are possible. In other words, prior to swelling due to contact between the inner sidewall 134c and the cosmetic substance 101, the liner cavity 135 may define a first volume, and after swelling due to contact between the inner sidewall 134c and the cosmetic substance 101, the liner cavity 135 may define a second volume. This second volume may be about 1% to about 10% smaller than the first volume. In particular, because the liner 134 and the cup body 124 are made of different materials, and because the cup body 124 may be made of a non-swelling material, when the inner sidewall 134c comes into contact with the cosmetic substance 101, the direction of swelling of the liner 134 is constrained radially (i.e., into the liner cavity 135 and toward the longitudinal axis A).

[0023] To assemble the retention mechanism 120 and the cosmetic product 100, the liner 134 is inserted into the cup cavity 125 in instances where these components are formed separately. It should be understood that such an arrangement is not necessary in instances where the liner 134 and cup body 124 are formed via a bi-injection or other molding or forming process. In some approaches, the cup body 124 may then be coupled to the inner body 112, thereby holding the cup body 124 in a relatively fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis A. However, in other instances, the cup body 124 may not be coupled to the inner body 112 at this point.

[0024] 4, the first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101 is then inserted into the liner cavity 135 and the cup cavity 125. In the illustrated example, the outer cross-sectional dimension DO of the cosmetic substance 101 is similar to the initial inner cross-sectional dimension DI of the liner 134, and therefore, such insertion of the cosmetic substance 101 causes at least a portion of the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101 to contact the inner sidewall 134c of the liner 134. In some examples, the outer cross-sectional dimension DO of the cosmetic substance 101 may be smaller than the initial inner cross-sectional dimension DI of the liner 134, but the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101 may be intentionally urged against the inner sidewall 134c of the liner 134 to initiate a chemical reaction such that at least a portion of the inner sidewall 134c begins to swell, thereby reducing the volume of the liner cavity 135 to the point where additional area of the inner sidewall 134c contacts a portion of the elongated body 101c, resulting in further swelling of the liner 134.

[0025] Thus, the inner sidewall 134a of the liner 134 exerts a squeezing or compressive retention force on the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101. As previously mentioned, the resulting swelling of the liner 134 may reduce the swollen inner cross-sectional dimension DS by approximately 1% to approximately 10%, depending on the respective material composition. Such a configuration may ensure that the liner 134 exerts a compressive or retention force on the cosmetic substance 101 when placed within the cosmetic substance 101. The "swellability" of the liner 134 described herein advantageously provides greater retention than systems using rigid or otherwise inflexible rings having dimensions smaller than those of the cosmetic substance 101. Furthermore, such rigid or otherwise inflexible rings having dimensions smaller than those of the cosmetic substance 101 would essentially damage or otherwise deform at least a portion of the cosmetic substance 101 when placed within the ring.

[0026] It should be appreciated that any number of characteristics, such as, for example, any number of desired dimensions and / or material characteristics of the cosmetic substance 101 and the liner 101, can be modified to generate a relatively gentle or relatively firm compressive force on the cosmetic substance 101 without causing damage or deformation along the elongated body 101c due to significant surface area contact between the ring 134 and the elongated body 101c. Additionally, the material properties of the cosmetic substance 101 and the liner 134 can be modified to change the rate at which the liner 134 swells, thus ensuring that the cosmetic substance 101 is not damaged or otherwise deformed during this step.

[0027] Although the illustrated example depicts the liner 134 as surrounding or otherwise encircling the entire periphery of the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101, in some examples, the liner 134 may surround only a portion of the entire periphery. Furthermore, it should be understood that if the cosmetic substance 101 is provided in other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., non-circular cross-sectional shapes), the liner 134 may have a similar non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0028] In some examples, the liner 134 may include any number of optional features. For example, the liner 134 may include a floor member 136 positioned at the first end 134a of the liner 134. This floor member 136 may provide additional support to the first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101. Additionally, in some examples, the liner 134 may also include any number of elongated retaining members 138. In the illustrated example, the elongated retaining members 138 are aligned with the cup retaining member 130, but in other examples, such components may not be aligned. The elongated retaining members 138 may be in the form of angled ribs that extend or protrude into the liner cavity 135. Upon insertion of the cosmetic substance 101 into the cup cavity 135, the cosmetic substance 101 can at least partially encapsulate the elongated retention member 138, such that the elongated retention member 138 can restrict or otherwise limit rotation of the cosmetic substance 101 relative to the liner cavity 135 about the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, the elongated retention member 138 can also be comprised of a swelling material and therefore swell upon contact with the cosmetic substance 101. Such swelling can provide additional retention force to the cosmetic substance 101, aiding in its retention within the liner cavity 135. It should be understood that in some examples, the elongated retention member 138 can be comprised of either a different swelling material than the rest of the liner 134 (or, in some examples, a different composition of the same material) and therefore can experience a different rate and magnitude of swelling relative to the rest of the liner 134.

[0029] 2 , upon assembly of the retention mechanism and inner body 112, the cup retaining member 130 (which, in some examples, protrudes outward from the notch 114 of the inner body 112) is inserted into the channel 109 of the track 108. The lip 117 of the shell 116 may then be positioned on the inner body 112, and these components may then be inserted into the base cavity 103 of the base 102 until the shell 116 engages the ledge 104. In some examples, the shell 116, the track 108, and / or the inner body 112 may be fixed relative to the base 102, while the cup 122 may be rotatable relative to the base 102. Thus, to advance the cosmetic substance 101 and cause it to protrude outward beyond the shell 116, the user may twist the base to advance the cup retaining member 130 along the channel 109.

[0030] So configured, the retention mechanisms and products described herein securely hold the cosmetic substance without damaging portions of the cosmetic substance. The retention mechanism advantageously utilizes material incompatibilities previously considered undesirable to engage the cup with the cosmetic substance.

[0031] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but instead should be understood as potentially combinable where such combination is somehow permissible. 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.

[0032] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause or make more pronounced any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0033] Additionally, as used herein, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, etc. may be used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another and do not necessarily require or imply an actual relationship or ordering between such entities or operations. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a 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. An element followed by "comprises...a," "has...a," "includes...a," or "contains...a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or encompasses the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined herein as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other variation thereof, are defined as approximations as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined to be within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "composed of" a certain way is at least composed of that way, but may be composed of unrecited ways.

[0034] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow 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. Additionally, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0035] The final claims of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as by the phrase "means for" or "step for" expressly recited in the claim.

Claims

1. A cosmetic product comprising: A cup, a cup body having a first end and a second end and defining a cup cavity; a cup including a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity, the liner having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a liner cavity, the liner being constructed from a swellable material; a cosmetic material having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body therebetween, at least a portion of the elongated body adapted to be disposed within the liner cavity and to contact a portion of the inner sidewall; The cosmetic product, wherein the liner is adapted to swell in a direction toward the cosmetic substance upon placement of at least a portion of the cosmetic substance within the liner cavity, thereby exerting a holding force on the cosmetic substance.

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

3. 10. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the liner is constructed from one of a synthetic rubber material including polyolefin, ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM), or silicone rubber.

4. 4. The cosmetic product of claim 3, wherein the liner is bi-injected with the cup body, the cup body being formed from a second, non-swelling material.

5. The cosmetic product of claim 1 , wherein the liner is separately formed and operably coupled to the cup body.

6. The cosmetic product of claim 1 , wherein the liner is adapted to surround the entire perimeter area of the cosmetic substance.

7. The cosmetic product of claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises an elongated retention member disposed on the inner sidewall of the liner and extending into the liner cavity.

8. The cup of claim 1 further comprising a cup retaining member disposed on an exterior surface of the cup body.

9. The cup of claim 8 , wherein the cup retaining member is aligned with an elongated retaining member.

10. 10. The cosmetic product of claim 9, wherein the cup retaining member is adapted to apply a biasing force toward the cup cavity upon insertion of the cup into the container cavity.

11. 10. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the liner further comprises a floor member positioned at or near the first end of the liner, the first end of the cosmetic substance adapted to abut against the floor member.

12. A retention mechanism for retaining a cosmetic substance, said retention mechanism comprising: a cup body having a first end and a second end and defining a cup cavity; a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity, the liner having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a liner cavity, the liner being constructed from a swellable material; A retention mechanism, wherein the liner is adapted to swell when the cosmetic substance is placed within the liner cavity, such that the liner exerts a retention force on the cosmetic substance to retain the cosmetic within the liner cavity.

13. The retention mechanism of claim 12 , wherein the cup body is formed from a first non-swelling material and the liner is formed from a second material.

14. The retention mechanism of claim 13 , wherein the cup body is bi-injected with the liner.

15. The retention mechanism of claim 12 , wherein the second material comprises one of a synthetic rubber material including polyolefin, ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer (EPDM), or silicone rubber.

16. The retention mechanism of claim 12 , wherein the liner comprises an elongated retention member disposed on the inner sidewall of the liner and extending into the liner cavity.

17. 1. A method of assembling a cosmetic product, said method comprising: a cup body having a first end and a second end and defining a cup cavity; providing a cup including a liner at least partially disposed within the cup cavity, the liner having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a liner cavity, the liner being constructed from a swellable material; providing a cosmetic substance having a first end, a second end and an elongated body therebetween; and disposing at least a portion of the elongated body of the cosmetic material within the liner cavity such that the cosmetic material contacts a portion of the inner sidewall; The method, wherein the liner is adapted to swell in a direction toward the cosmetic substance to exert a holding force on the cosmetic substance in response to the cosmetic substance contacting a portion of the inner sidewall.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cup is formed via a bi-injection process.

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