Shock-absorbing insert for cosmetic compacts

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0011] Throughout this specification, the terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," and the like shall be used consistently to mean that the collection of objects is not limited to the objects specifically listed.

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

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

[0014] A key feature of the present invention is a product palette in combination with a shock-absorbing insert. The use of this combination in a cosmetic compact case (10) is described below. Such a case typically includes a base (1), a product palette (2) configured with one or more wells capable of holding products, a shock-absorbing insert (3), and a cover (4).

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

[0016] cover The cover (4) protects the contents of the interior space (1c) of the base (1). The cover can assume an open position and a closed position relative to the base (1). In the closed position, the cover is located on top of the base, or perhaps just inside the top of the base, and the contents of the base are normally inaccessible. In this position, the cover protects the contents of the base and reduces the occurrence of drying and contamination of the cosmetics. In the open configuration, the cosmetics contained within the base are normally accessible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A compact case comprising a base, a shock absorbing insert, and a product pallet, The base is a closed bottom; a sidewall having an interior surface; an interior space defined by the closed bottom and the interior surface; The shock absorbing insert is one or more hubs; one or more flexible legs, each leg comprising: a proximal end connected to one of the hubs; and one or more flexible legs having a distal end proximate the inner surface of the base; a foot located at the distal end of each leg, each foot positioned adjacent the inner surface; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; The product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert, both of which are located within the interior space of the base. Each hub has a channel, A compact case, wherein the bottom surface of the product pallet includes an extension that extends downward into the channel of the hub, the extension fitting onto the hub.

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

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

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

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

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

7. A compact case comprising a base, a shock absorbing insert, and a product pallet, The base is a closed bottom; a sidewall having an interior surface; an interior space defined by the closed bottom and the interior surface; The shock absorbing insert is one or more hubs; one or more arms attached to the one or more hubs; one or more vertically oriented compression springs, each compression spring associated with one of the arms; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; The product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert, both of which are located within the interior space of the base. Each hub has a channel, A compact case, wherein the bottom surface of the product pallet includes an extension that extends downward into the channel of the hub, the extension fitting onto the hub.

8. 8. The compact case of claim 7, wherein the number of arms is at least two.

9. 8. The compact case of claim 7, wherein the product pallet has an outer periphery, and wherein a clearance between the outer periphery of the product pallet and the inner surface of the side wall of the base is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

10. 1. A combination product pallet and shock absorbing insert for use within a compact case, comprising: The shock absorbing insert is one or more hubs; one or more flexible legs, each leg comprising: a proximal end connected to one of the hubs; one or more flexible legs having a distal end; a foot located at the distal end of each leg; the product pallet is connected to the one or more hubs of the shock absorbing insert; The top surface and The bottom and one or more product wells extending downwardly from the bottom surface; the product pallet rests on top of the shock absorbing insert; Each hub has a channel, A combination product pallet and shock absorbing insert, wherein the bottom surface of the product pallet includes an extension that extends downward into the channel of the hub, the extension fitting onto the hub.

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