Cosmetic delivery system

Abstract

The product tray includes a cavity containing a strip configured to pivot relative to its bottom, and a mesh member extending across the cavity. The mesh member is configured to distribute forces applied to the strip or the mesh member across the top surface of the product housed within the cavity by pivoting the strip. The housing includes a bezel containing a chamber for the product tray, the chamber having a front access port and a port cover configured to selectively cover the front access port. The cosmetic compact assembly includes a product tray containing a strip configured to move between a stationary position and a usage position, and a housing having a front access port positioned adjacent to the strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to delivery systems for cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products, and more specifically to a product tray that includes a mesh member configured to disperse force across the top surface of a product housed within a cavity.

Background Art

[0002] Cosmetics, hair care products, body care products, and / or skin care products are typically provided within a cavity of a product tray. A user transfers a certain amount of the product to an applicator by pressing a preferred applicator (such as a brush, sponge, or finger) against the product within the cavity. During the transfer, both the amount of product dispersed onto the applicator and the location on the applicator where the product is dispersed are important for subsequent application purposes. Some product trays, or the housings in which they are held, prevent a particular type of applicator from accessing the product within the cavity in a way that allows a desired amount of product to be dispersed and / or that interferes with the optimal placement of the product on the applicator. For example, if the product tray or housing has relatively high sidewalls that completely surround the cavity and the applicator has a length similar to the width of the cavity, the contact between the applicator and the side of the cavity may prevent the applicator from collecting product along its entire length. Regions of the cavity that are difficult to access (such as the corners and edges of the cavity) often retain product even when more accessible regions (such as the center of the cavity) are emptied, resulting in the retained product being difficult to use or wasted if the product tray is discarded when the more accessible regions are emptied.

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

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The examples within the scope of this disclosure relate to methods for manufacturing applicators for applying cosmetic substances.

[0005] In one example, the product tray includes a cavity, a product, and a mesh member. The cavity is defined by a bottom, sides, and a strip. The strip is configured to pivot relative to the bottom. The product is placed within the cavity and has a top surface. The mesh member is coupled to the sides and the strip and extends across the cavity. The mesh member is configured to distribute forces applied to the strip or the mesh member across the top surface of the product by pivoting the strip.

[0006] In one method, the strip can be formed integrally with the bottom.

[0007] In one method, the strip may be separate from the bottom and connected to the bottom.

[0008] In one method, the mesh member may have a porosity determined at least partially by the viscosity of the product.

[0009] In one method, the sides may be immobile relative to the bottom.

[0010] In one method, the bottom may include a first side edge, a rear edge, a second side edge, and a front edge. The side may be connected to the bottom at the first side edge, the rear edge, and the second side edge. The strip may be connected to the bottom at its front edge. The side may include a first side, a rear, and a second side. The first side may be connected to the first side edge of the bottom. The rear may be connected to the rear edge of the bottom. The second side may be connected to the second side edge of the bottom.

[0011] In one method, the strip can be configured to pivot at an angle of approximately 10 to 45 degrees relative to the bottom when force is applied.

[0012] In one method, the strip may include a flexible material.

[0013] In one example, the housing for the product tray includes a bezel, a casing, a port cover, and a cap. The bezel has a chamber for the product tray. The chamber is defined by a base, a lateral interface, and a front access port. The front access port has an opening region with an outer circumference defined by the base and the lateral interface. The bezel is disposed within the casing. The port cover is configured to selectively cover the front access port. The cap is connected to the casing and configured to selectively cover the bezel.

[0014] In one method, the port cover can be rotatably connected to the cap.

[0015] In one method, the port cover can be rotatably connected to the casing.

[0016] In one method, the cap may have a top surface. The port cover may include a shield for the opening area of ​​the forward access port and a lip positioned at an angle to the shield. The lip may be positioned adjacent to the front surface of the cap when the port cover covers the forward access port.

[0017] In one method, the housing may further include a storage compartment for an applicator. The storage compartment may be located between the casing and the cap. A mounting surface for the applicator may be provided within the casing. The casing may have a bottom surface. An applicator opening may be provided in the bottom surface for access to the storage compartment.

[0018] In one example, a cosmetic compact assembly includes a product tray and a housing. The product tray has a cavity at least partially defined by a strip configured to move between a stationary position and a use position. The product is disposed within the cavity and has a top surface. A mesh member extends across the cavity and is configured to distribute forces applied to the strip or the mesh member across the top surface of the product when the strip is in the use position. The product tray is disposed within the housing. A front access port of the housing is located adjacent to the strip of the product tray.

[0019] In one approach, the cosmetic compact assembly may further include an applicator. The housing may include a storage compartment in which the applicator is housed.

[0020] In one method, the applicator may include a first head selectively connected to a body. The first head and the body may be positioned along a longitudinal axis. The first head may be configured to rotate relative to the body about the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In one method, the cosmetic compact assembly may further include a second head. The second head may be configured to connect to the body interchangeably with the first head. The second head may have at least one of a different shape, size, texture, or material composition from the first head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] The above needs are at least partially satisfied, especially when considered in conjunction with the drawings, by providing one, two or more, or any combination of, the methods described in the following embodiments for carrying out the invention. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary product tray including a mesh, according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first exemplary product tray in Figure 1 in its use position when force is applied to the mesh by the applicator. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a strip of a second exemplary product tray in a stationary position before a force is applied. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a strip of the second exemplary product tray of FIG. 3 in a use position when a force is applied. [Figure 5] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary applicator. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first exemplary cosmetic compact assembly of FIG. 5 with the applicator stored. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the first exemplary cosmetic compact assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary applicator. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a first head of the first exemplary applicator of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second head of the first exemplary applicator of FIG. 8.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplification and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to others to help understand the various embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are often omitted to make these various embodiments easier to understand. It will be further understood that certain operations and / or processes may be described or drawn in a specific order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding order is not actually necessary. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meanings that are given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless different specific meanings are otherwise stated herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Generally speaking, product trays are provided that facilitate the distribution of product onto the applicator according to these various methods. By including a mesh member that can distribute force across the top surface of the product, the product tray ensures that the product is distributed from all areas of the cavity. As a result, the product is not held in hard-to-reach areas such as the corners and edges of the cavity, thereby reducing product waste and / or difficulty in accessing held product. Force distribution by the mesh member also results in easier access to the product by the applicator so that the product is more optimally positioned on the applicator for later use. Furthermore, force distribution by the mesh member achieves a more consistent ratio between the applied force and the amount of product distributed, and as a result, the user can more easily calibrate the force used to avoid collecting too little or too much product on the applicator during use. Housings for product trays that include a bezel with a front access port provide easier access to the cavity of the product tray, which is particularly useful for certain types of applicators, such as those with a rotating head. The front access port also allows the user to apply force to a strip in the product tray, which is then distributed by a mesh member. In some methods, the strip is configured to pivot relative to the bottom of the cavity when force is applied. The pivoting of the strip allows the mesh member to distribute the force more evenly across the top surface of the product because the movement of the mesh member is less constrained than in the case of an immovable strip.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the product tray 100 includes a cavity 102 and a mesh member 104. The cavity 102 is defined by a strip 106, a side portion 108, and a bottom portion 110. The strip 106 is configured to pivot, bend, flex, or otherwise move relative to the bottom portion 110. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the strip 106 is in a stationary position. The product 112 is disposed within the cavity 102 and has a top surface 114. The mesh member 104 is coupled with the side portion 108 and the strip 106 and extends across the cavity 102. The mesh member 104 is configured to distribute forces applied to the strip 106 or the mesh member 104 across the top surface 114 of the product 112. The force can be distributed by pivoting the strip 106. Alternatively, the force can be distributed by the mesh member 104 without pivoting the strip 106.

[0026] As can be seen by comparing Figure 1 and Figure 2, in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, the force applied to the mesh member 104 by the applicator 118 causes the strip 106 to pivot. The direct force applied to the strip 106 by the applicator 118 similarly causes the strip 106 to pivot. The pivot of the strip 106 causes the strip 106 to descend toward the upper surface 114 of the product 112, and the mesh member 104 also descends as it is coupled with the strip 106. As the strip 106 pivots, the mesh member 104 moves from a position above the upper surface 114 of the product 112 until it contacts the upper surface 114 of the product 112. The pivot of the strip 106 facilitates contact between the entire mesh member 104 and the upper surface 114 of the product 112, as opposed to a mere portion of the mesh member 104 that is below the applicator 118 and directly adjacent to the applicator 118. When the mesh member 104 and the upper surface 114 of the product 112 come into contact, a certain amount of product 112 is pushed through the mesh member 104 and can be easily collected by the applicator 118, for example, by rolling the applicator 118 across the mesh member 104.

[0027] In some configurations, the strip 106 is configured to pivot approximately 10–45 degrees relative to the base 110 when force is applied, although in other configurations, pivoting outside this range is also possible. The strip may contain a flexible material. In the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2, the strip 106 is formed integrally with the base 110. However, in other configurations, the strip 116 may be separate from the base 110 and connected to it. The side 108 is immovable relative to the base. In some configurations, the strip 106 may be overmolded onto the side 108 and / or the base 110.

[0028] The porosity of the mesh member 104 may vary depending on the viscosity of the desired product 112. For example, a more viscous product 112 may require a mesh member 104 with larger openings to allow the appropriate amount of product 112 to be extruded through the mesh member 104. A less viscous product 112 may require a mesh member 104 with smaller openings to prevent too much product 112 from being extruded through the mesh member 104. Other factors such as the purpose of the product 112 and the type of applicator 118 (e.g., sponge, brush, applicator with handle, applicator without handle) may also affect the desired mesh porosity.

[0029] Figures 3 and 4 show an empty product tray 200. Features shared by product trays 100 in Figures 1 and 2 are referred to by the same reference number, incremented by 100. After the initial introduction, common features in subsequent configurations will not be described in substantial detail. Unique features are identified by their own reference numbers. Any combination or partial combination of features described with respect to Figures 1 and 2 may be incorporated into product trays 200 in Figures 3 and 4, and vice versa.

[0030] The product tray 200 in Figures 3 and 4 includes a bottom 210, which has a first side edge 220, a rear edge 222, a second side edge 224, and a front edge 226. The side 208 is connected to the bottom 210 at the first side edge 220, the rear edge 222, and the second side edge 224. In particular, the side includes a first side surface 226 connected to the first side edge 220 of the bottom 210, a rear surface 228 connected to the rear edge 222 of the bottom 210, and a second side surface 230 connected to the second side edge 224 of the bottom 210. The strip 206 is connected to the bottom 210 at its front edge 226. As shown, the strip 206 can pivot from the stationary position shown in Figure 3 to the usage position shown in Figure 4.

[0031] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show a cosmetic compact assembly 301. Features shared by the product tray 100 in Figures 1 and 2 and / or the product tray 200 in Figures 3 and 4 are referred to by the same reference number, incremented by 100. After the initial introduction, common features in subsequent configurations will not be described in substantial detail. Unique features are identified by their own reference numbers. Any combination or partial combination of features described with respect to Figures 1 to 4 may be incorporated into the cosmetic compact assemblies of Figures 5 to 7, and vice versa.

[0032] The cosmetic compact assembly 301 shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes a housing 332 for the product tray 300. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, similar to the product trays 100 and 200, the product tray 300 includes a cavity 302 at least partially defined by a strip 306 (covering the product 312) configured to move between a stationary position and a usage position. The product 312 is disposed within the cavity and has a top surface 314. A mesh member 304 (covering the product 312) extends across the cavity 302 and is configured to distribute forces applied to the strip 306 or the mesh member 304 across the top surface 314 of the product 312 when the strip 306 is in the usage position.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing includes a bezel 334 having a chamber 336 for the product tray 300. The chamber 336 is defined by a base 338, a lateral interface 340, and a front access port 342. In the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lateral interface 340 has three portions 341a, 341b, and 341c that form three sides of a rectangular parallelepiped. The front access port 342 has an opening region 343 having an outer perimeter 345 defined by the base 338 and the lateral interface 340. In the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 6, the opening region 343 of the front access port 342 replaces what would otherwise be the fourth side of the rectangular parallelepiped formed by the lateral interface 342. The front access port 342 is positioned adjacent to the strip 306 of the product tray 300. The bezel 334 is disposed within a casing 316. The port cover 344 is configured to selectively cover the forward access port 342. The cap 346 is connected to the casing 316 and is configured to selectively cover the bezel 334. A mirror 347 may be provided inside the cap 346 to assist the user in dispensing the product 312.

[0034] The port cover 344 and the cap 342 can be rotated to an open position to facilitate access to the product tray 300 and a closed position to prevent access to the product tray 300, respectively. In Figures 5 and 6, the port cover 344 is rotatably connected to the casing 316. In other configurations, the port cover 344 may be rotatably connected to the cap 346. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cap 342 has a front surface 348. The port cover 344 has a shield 350 for the opening area 343 of the front access port 342 and a lip 352 positioned at an angle to the shield 350. The lip 352 is positioned adjacent to the front surface 348 of the cap 346 when the port cover 344 covers the front access port 342.

[0035] Figures 6 and 7 best illustrate the storage compartment 354 for the applicator 318. As shown in Figure 6, the storage compartment 354 is located between the casing 316 and the cap 346. As shown in Figure 7, a stationary surface 356 is provided within the casing 316 for the applicator 318. The casing 316 has a bottom surface 356, and an applicator opening 358 for accessing the storage compartment 354 is provided in the bottom surface 356. As shown, the applicator opening 358 may be sized to allow the applicator 318 to slide into the storage compartment 354 and be held within the storage compartment 354 until needed.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an applicator 318. As shown, the applicator 318 includes a body 360, the body 360 having a longitudinal axis A, a first end 362, and a second end 364. A first head 366 is selectively connected to the body 360 at the first end 362. The first head 366 is configured to rotate relative to the body 360 about the longitudinal axis A. The second end 364 may include a surface 368 that can be used by the user for blending, wiping, mixing, applying, or absorbing. The surface 368 may be integrally formed with the body 360 and treated with a surface treatment that provides a desired texture or absorbency, or the surface 368 may be provided separately and connected to the second end 364.

[0037] Figure 9 shows a first head 366. The first head 366 is substantially conical and includes a first outer surface 368 textured with flocking material. Figure 10 shows a second head 370, which can be connected to the body 360 of the applicator 318 after the first head 366 has been removed. The second head 370 includes a substantially elliptical second outer surface 372 and an extension 374 that separates the second outer surface 372 from the first end 362 of the body 360 of the applicator 318. The second head 370 is configured to connect to the body 360 interchangeably with the first head 366. Since the second head 370 may have at least one of a different shape, size, texture, or material composition from the first head 366, the user can use the applicator 318 for a variety of different coating techniques and products.

[0038] The aforementioned specification describes specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this teaching. In addition, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially combinatorial where such combinations are permissible in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0039] No benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that could produce or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution should be construed as an essential, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the 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 the issued claims.

[0040] 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, and do not necessarily require or imply an actual 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 may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly enumerated or specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The elements preceding “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” do not, without further constraint, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains that element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless otherwise specified herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about,” or any other variation thereof are defined as close to what is understood by those skilled in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. As used herein, the term “combined” is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure “configured” in a particular way is configured in at least that way, but may be configured in ways not enumerated.

[0041] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to enable readers to quickly confirm the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it is found that in the modes for carrying out the invention described herein, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may not be present in all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the modes for carrying out the invention herein, and each claim stands alone as separately claimed subject matter.

[0042] The last claim of this patent application is not intended to be construed under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless the conventional means-plus-function language is explicitly stated in the claim, such as by the phrase “means for” or “process for.”

Claims

1. Product tray, A cavity defined by a bottom, sides, and a strip, wherein the strip is configured to pivot relative to the bottom, A product disposed within the aforementioned cavity and having an upper surface, A mesh member connected to the side portion and the strip, extending across the cavity, configured to distribute a force applied to the strip or the mesh member across the upper surface of the product by pivoting the strip, A product tray equipped with this feature.

2. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the strip is integrally formed with the bottom portion.

3. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the strip is separate from the bottom and connected to the bottom.

4. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the mesh member has a porosity determined at least partially by the viscosity of the product.

5. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the side portion is immovable relative to the bottom portion.

6. The bottom portion includes a first side edge, a rear edge, a second side edge, and a front edge. The side portion is connected to the bottom portion at the first side edge, the rear edge, and the second side edge. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the strip is connected to the bottom at its front edge.

7. Product tray according to claim 6, wherein the side portion includes a first side surface, a rear surface, and a second side surface, the first side surface being connected to the first side edge of the bottom, the rear surface being connected to the rear edge of the bottom, and the second side surface being connected to the second side edge of the bottom.

8. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the strip is configured to pivot at an angle of approximately 10 to 45 degrees relative to the bottom when force is applied.

9. The product tray according to claim 1, wherein the strip comprises a flexible material.

10. A housing for the product tray, A bezel having a chamber for the product tray, wherein the chamber is defined by a base, a lateral interface, and a front access port, and the front access port has an opening region having an outer circumference defined by the base and the lateral interface, The casing on which the bezel is disposed, A port cover configured to selectively cover the aforementioned forward access port, A cap connected to the casing and configured to selectively cover the bezel, A housing equipped with this feature.

11. The housing according to claim 10, wherein the port cover is rotatably connected to the cap.

12. The housing according to claim 10, wherein the port cover is rotatably connected to the casing.

13. The housing according to claim 12, wherein the cap has an upper surface, and the port cover comprises a shield for the opening area of ​​the forward access port and a lip positioned at an angle to the shield, the lip positioned adjacent to the front surface of the cap when the port cover covers the forward access port.

14. The housing according to claim 10, further comprising a storage compartment for an applicator.

15. The housing according to claim 14, wherein the storage compartment is disposed between the casing and the cap, and a mounting surface for the applicator is provided within the casing.

16. The housing according to claim 15, wherein the casing has a bottom surface and an applicator opening provided on the bottom surface for accessing the storage compartment.

17. A cosmetic compact assembly, A product tray having a cavity at least partially defined by a strip configured to move between a stationary position and a usage position, a product disposed within the cavity and having an upper surface, and a mesh member extending across the cavity and configured to distribute the force applied to the strip or the mesh member across the upper surface of the product when the strip is in the usage position, A housing in which the product tray is disposed, wherein the front access port of the housing is positioned adjacent to the strip of the product tray, A cosmetic compact assembly equipped with [specific features].

18. The cosmetic compact assembly according to claim 17, further comprising an applicator, wherein the housing includes a storage compartment in which the applicator is disposed.

19. The cosmetic compact assembly according to claim 18, wherein the applicator includes a first head selectively connected to a body, the first head and the body being positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first head being configured to rotate relative to the body about the longitudinal axis.

20. The cosmetic compact assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a second head configured to be interchangeably connected to the body with respect to the first head, wherein the second head has at least one of a different shape, size, texture, or material composition from the first head.

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