Cosmetic product container and holding mechanism

Abstract

A cup for holding a cosmetic substance includes a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall defining a cup cavity, and a stepped retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity, the stepped retaining member having a first width extending around the periphery of the inner sidewall.

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. As an example, a lipstick or lip balm product may be in the form of an elongated tube, cylinder, square, rectangle, and / or diamond prism, among other shapes, 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 molding 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 retaining members in the form of hooks, nodules, or similar components that may be biased into the cosmetic substance to prevent or otherwise limit movement of the cosmetic substance relative to the cup and container during such inadvertent drops or bumps. However, these features can create localized stress points that can 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] Examples within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to a cosmetic product container and retention mechanism that may include a cup for holding a cosmetic substance. The cup includes a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity, and a stepped retention member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity. The stepped retention member has a first width extending around the periphery of the inner sidewall.

[0005] In some examples, the stepped retaining member includes a plurality of angled protrusions extending inwardly into the cup cavity. In some of these examples, each of the angled protrusions can include a side surface and a lower surface. The side surface can define a side area value, and the lower surface can define a lower area value. The ratio of the side area value to the lower area value can be from about 4:1 to about 12:1.

[0006] In some examples, the cup may further include a second retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity. The second retaining member may have a second width extending around the periphery of the inner sidewall. In these examples, the first width may be greater than the second width. In some of these embodiments, the second retaining member includes a first end, a second end, and an elongated notch having an undercut formed in the second end. The cup may further include a cup retaining member disposed on the outer surface of the cup body. The cup retaining member may be aligned with the second retaining member.

[0007] In one approach, the cup may include a floor member positioned at or near the stepped retaining member.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a cosmetic product container includes an outer container having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity, a cup adapted to be at least partially disposed within the container cavity, and a cosmetic substance having a first end and a second end and an elongated body therebetween. The cup includes a cup body having the first end and the second end and an inner sidewall forming the cup cavity, and a stepped retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity. The stepped retaining member has a first width extending around the periphery of the inner sidewall. At least a portion of the elongated body of the cosmetic substance is disposed within the cup cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] 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 front view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various examples. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIG. 3, according to various examples. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to various examples. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 3-5, according to various examples. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 3-6, according to various examples. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 1-7, according to various examples. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 1-8, according to various examples. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIGS. 1-9 after insertion of a cosmetic substance, according to various examples. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a second exemplary retention mechanism, according to various examples. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIG. 11, according to various examples. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a third exemplary retention mechanism, according to various examples. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary retention mechanism of FIG. 13, according to various examples.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] A retention mechanism 120 is provided for securely retaining the cosmetic substance 101. The retention mechanism 120 includes a cup 122 having a cup body 124. 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. The cup body 124 further includes a cup retaining member 130. The cup body 124 may be formed from any number of desired materials.

[0016] 2, the cup body 124 is adapted to be disposed within the inner body 112. Upon coupling the cup body 124 with 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.

[0017] The cup body 124 further includes any number of stepped retention members 134 disposed on the inner sidewall 124c. Each stepped retention member 134 includes any number of angled protrusions or ridges 136 that extend into the inner cavity 125 in a stepped pattern. While the illustrated stepped retention members 134 each include four angled protrusions 136, it should be understood that fewer or more than four angled protrusions 136 may be used to improve retention of the cosmetic substance 101.

[0018] Each angled protrusion 136 includes a side surface 136a and a bottom surface 136b that cooperate to form a step or undercut (see FIGS. 4 and 10). Additionally, each angled protrusion 136 extends a first dimension or width 134a along the inner sidewall 124c. As shown in the drawings, this first dimension 134a is generally wide or elongated in that the stepped retention member 134 extends around approximately 20% or more of the inner circumference of the cup body 124. It should be understood that the first dimension 134a can be modified to improve retention of cosmetic substances 101 having different material characteristics, such as flexibility.

[0019] As previously described, the lower surface 136b of each angled protrusion 136 forms an undercut region. The lower surface 136b has a relatively shallow depth or shortened profile and therefore does not extend as far or as far into the cup cavity 125 as in previous designs. This configuration contrasts with existing systems that protrude or extend further into the cup cavity in an attempt to provide greater retention for the cosmetic substance. In the present application, the lower surface 136b is sized to have a relatively shallow, less aggressive undercut depth to allow the cosmetic substance 101, formed from a softer composition, to better flow into these regions below the lower surface 136b, whereas existing systems may result in void regions that do not contain the cosmetic substance. Such void regions in previously used systems may result in reduced surface area contact between the cup and the cosmetic substance. Furthermore, cosmetic substances 101 formed from softer compositions may be structurally weakened by more aggressive undercut depths, and therefore the angled protrusions 136 described in the present disclosure may better maintain the structural integrity of the cosmetic substance 101.

[0020] Each side surface 136a of the angled protrusion 136 defines a side area value. Each side surface 136a may be generally concave in that it has a curvature similar to or the same as the curvature of the curved inner sidewall 124c. Additionally, each lower surface 136b of the angled protrusion 136 defines a lower area value. In some examples, the ratio of the side area value to the side area value is from about 4:1 to about 12:1. Other examples are possible.

[0021] In some examples, the cup body 124 may additionally include a floor member 132 positioned at or near its first end 124a. This floor member 132 may provide additional support to the first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the stepped retaining member 134 may extend to or terminate at the floor member 132. In other examples, a gap (not illustrated) may be defined between the lowermost angled protrusion 136 of the stepped retaining member 134 and the floor member 132. Furthermore, in some examples, the floor member 132 may include a plurality of through holes or channels 132a.

[0022] To assemble the cosmetic product 100, the cup body 124 is coupled to the inner body 112 to hold the cup body 124 in a relatively fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis A. However, in other examples, the cup body 124 may not be coupled to the inner body 112 at this point. The first end 101a of the cosmetic substance 101 is then inserted into the cup cavity 125. Because the outer cross-sectional dimension DO of the cosmetic substance 101 is similar to the inner cross-sectional dimension of the inner sidewall 124c, such insertion of the cosmetic substance 101 causes a portion of the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101 to contact the inner sidewall 124c in addition to the stepped retention members 134. Inserting the cosmetic substance 101 into the cup cavity 125 gently inserts each of the angled protrusions 136 into a portion of the cosmetic substance 101. As previously mentioned, the wide ridges on the sides 13a of the angled protrusions 136 create increased surface area contact, and therefore frictional contact, with the cosmetic substance 101, which can flow into the area under the lower surface 136b of each angled protrusion 136, thereby creating additional surface area contact with the lower surface 136b. These factors, combined with the multiple raised steps, allow for better retention of 101 on the outer surface #.

[0023] Thus, the stepped retention members 134 exert a gentle holding force against the elongated body 101c of the cosmetic substance 101. It should be understood that any number of characteristics, such as, for example, any number of desired dimensions of the stepped retention members 134 and / or material characteristics of the cosmetic substance 101, may be modified to create a relatively gentle or relatively firm holding force against the cosmetic substance 101 without causing excessive damage or deformation along the elongated body 101c due to significant surface area contact between the angled protrusions 136 and the elongated body 101c. In some approaches, the material properties of the cosmetic substance 101 may determine the amount and dimensions of each stepped retention member 134 to ensure that the cosmetic substance 101 is not damaged or otherwise deformed during insertion or use.

[0024] 2 , when assembling the retention mechanism 120 within the 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, a user may twist the base to advance the cup retaining member 130 along the channel 109.

[0025] In some examples, the retention mechanism 120 may include any number of optional features. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-10, the cup body 124 may additionally include any number of optional second retention members 140 in the form of elongated ribs or notches extending or protruding into the cup cavity 125. Each of these second retention members 140 may include a first end 140a, a second end 140b, and an undercut 142 formed in the second end 140b. The second retention members 140 may have a width dimension that is smaller than the width dimension 134a of the stepped retention member 134. In some forms, the second retention member 140 may be reverse tapered relative to the stepped retention member 134. Additionally, although the illustrated second retention members 140 are provided as being oriented generally vertically (i.e., generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L), in some examples, the second retention members 140 may be arranged in a spiral or other configuration (not illustrated). Other configurations are possible.

[0026] When the cosmetic substance 101 is inserted into the cup cavity 125, the cosmetic substance 101 may additionally at least partially encapsulate the second retaining member 140, such that the second retaining member 140 may restrict or otherwise limit rotation of the cosmetic substance 101 about the longitudinal axis A relative to the cup cavity 125. In other examples, the cosmetic substance 101 may be inserted into the cup cavity 125 via other approaches, such as, for example, any number of backfilling techniques. In any of these filling techniques, the retaining member 140 restricts or otherwise limits rotation of the cosmetic substance 101.

[0027] While second retention members 140 are illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that these second retention members 140 are merely an optional feature and are not required for the cup 122 to retain the cosmetic substance 101. Furthermore, while the second retention members 140 are oriented in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A, it should be understood that in some configurations, any number of second retention members 140 may be oriented in a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis A (e.g., any number of second retention members 140 may form a spiral or helix around the inner sidewall 124c of the cup body 124). Other configurations are possible.

[0028] It should also be understood that the retention feature 120 may be provided in any number of different shapes and / or configurations. As non-limiting alternative examples, FIGS. 11-14 illustrate alternative retention features 220, 320 that may be incorporated into the cosmetic product 100. These retention features 220, 320 include similar features as the retention feature 120 and, therefore, are provided with reference numerals having the same two-digit suffix. For brevity, such components will not be described in further detail. In these examples, the retention features 220, 320 may be used in conjunction with a backfill manufacturing approach. More specifically, the floor members 232, 332 may include primary openings 232a, 332a, which, in the illustrated example, are positioned approximately in the center of the floor members 232, 332 to allow the cosmetic substance 101 to be filled into the cup cavity 225, 325. In other examples, the primary opening 232a, 332a may not be centrally located.

[0029] 11 and 12, the angled protrusions 236 positioned adjacent the floor member 232 include angled sides 236a, while the remaining angled protrusions 236 may have sides 236a with different orientations. In the illustrated example, the additional angled protrusions 236 have generally vertical sides 236a that are approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Other configurations are possible.

[0030] As previously mentioned, the retention features described herein may include any number of stepped surfaces or angled protrusions. In the exemplary retention feature 320 illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the retention member 334 is a generally smooth member that does not include any additional stepped surfaces. More specifically, some formulations of the cosmetic substance 101 may not require additional stepped surfaces to adequately retain the cosmetic substance 101, and therefore, such retention features 320 may be used to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify production.

[0031] When configured in this manner, the retention mechanisms and products described herein securely retain the cosmetic substance without damaging portions of the cosmetic substance. The retention mechanisms advantageously increase the surface area in shear contact with the cosmetic substance 101 compared to conventional designs, thereby increasing friction and helping to retain the cosmetic substance 101 within the cup cavity 125 during use, dropping, and / or other unintended movement. Furthermore, the retention mechanisms and products described herein do not include additional stress concentration areas that could otherwise cause the cosmetic substance to be crushed, stretched, or otherwise damaged during unintended movement. The retention mechanisms described herein may also provide additional stability to protect the cosmetic substance in the event of a drop or collision. More specifically, the retention mechanisms may maintain the alignment of the cosmetic substance to prevent it from becoming misaligned after a drop or collision. Such misalignment could cause the cosmetic substance to contact an inner portion of the product during upward application, which could then damage or smear the cosmetic substance.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 cup for holding a cosmetic substance, comprising: a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity; A cup comprising: a stepped retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity, the stepped retaining member having a first width value extending around a periphery of the inner sidewall.

2. The cup of claim 1 , wherein the stepped retaining member includes a plurality of angled protrusions extending inwardly into the cup cavity.

3. The cup of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of angled protrusions includes a side surface and a lower surface.

4. 4. The cup of claim 3, wherein the side surface defines a side area value and the bottom surface defines a bottom area value, the ratio of the side area value to the bottom area value being from about 4:1 to about 12:

1.

5. 2. The cup of claim 1, further comprising a second retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity, the second retaining member having a second width value extending around the perimeter of the inner sidewall, the first width value being greater than the second width value.

6. The cup of claim 5 , wherein the second retaining member includes a first end, a second end, and an elongated notch having an undercut formed in the second end.

7. The cup of claim 5 further comprising a cup retaining member disposed on an exterior surface of the cup body.

8. The cup of claim 7 , wherein the cup retaining member is aligned with the second retaining member.

9. The cup of claim 1 further comprising a floor member positioned at or near the stepped retaining member.

10. A cosmetic product container comprising: an outer container having a first end and a second end and defining a container cavity; a cup adapted to be at least partially disposed within the container cavity, a cup body having a first end, a second end, and an inner sidewall forming a cup cavity; a cup including a stepped retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity, the stepped retaining member having a first width extending around a periphery of the inner sidewall; A cosmetic product container comprising a cosmetic substance having a first end, a second end, and an elongated body therebetween, at least a portion of the elongated body being disposed within the cup cavity.

11. The cosmetic product of claim 10 , wherein the stepped retaining member includes a plurality of angled protrusions extending inwardly into the cup cavity.

12. The cosmetic product of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of angled protrusions includes a side surface and a lower surface.

13. 13. The cosmetic product of claim 12, wherein the lateral surface comprises a lateral area, the lower surface comprises a lower surface area, and the ratio of the lateral area to the lower surface area is from about 4:1 to about 12:

1.

14. 11. The cosmetic product container of claim 10, further comprising a second retaining member disposed on the inner sidewall of the cup body and extending into the cup cavity, the second retaining member having a second width extending around the periphery of the inner sidewall, the first width being greater than the second width.

15. 15. The cosmetic product of claim 14, wherein the second retention member includes a first end, a second end, and an elongated notch having an undercut formed in the second end.

16. The cosmetic product of claim 14, further comprising a cup retaining member disposed on an exterior surface of the cup body.

17. The cosmetic product of claim 16, wherein the cup retaining member is aligned with the second retaining member.

18. 18. The cosmetic product of claim 17, 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.

19. 15. The cosmetic product of claim 14, further comprising a floor member positioned at or near the stepped retaining member, the first end of the cosmetic substance adapted to abut against the floor member.

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