Cosmetic container

Abstract

A cosmetic (1 ) is provided, defining a longitudinal axis (1a) and comprising: a cosmetic preparation (2); a container (3) comprising a first body (31 ) defining a first housing (311 ); a second body (32) to which the preparation (2) is bound and housed in the first housing (311); movement means (33) configured to move the first body (31) and the second body (32) relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (1a), causing the preparation (2) to protrude from the first section (312); wherein the second body (32) comprises a first portion (321) configured to allow the filling and solidification, within it, of the preparation (2) so as to bind the preparation (2) to the first portion (321), a second portion (322) including part of the movement means (33), and connection means (325) configured to bind the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) to each other, at least parallel to the longitudinal axis (1a).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] COSMETIC CONTAINER

[0003] As specified in the preamble of the first claim, the present invention relates to a cosmetic container suitable for containing a cosmetic preparation, defining a cosmetic, said cosmetic preparation being preferably in creamy, solid, or semi-solid form.

[0004] In cosmetics, push containers are widely used, exploiting a command coupling to cause a translation of the cosmetic preparation relative to the container. Such containers are characterized in that the movement of a cosmetic preparation from at least a storage position wherein it is fully enclosed in the container to one or more dispensing positions wherein the preparation at least partially protrudes from the container and is therefore ready for use.

[0005] The known containers consist of an outer sleeve with a helical opening; an inner sleeve with an axial opening; a cup or godet holding the cosmetic preparation and having an engagement pin for both openings; and a control body freely constrained to the intermediate sleeve so that, thanks to the engagement of the godet with both openings, it controls the axial sliding of the godet and thus the change in position of the cosmetic preparation.

[0006] The godet is a cup-shaped member defining one or more compartments wherein, at the time of pouring, the preparation falls by gravity, binding to the godet itself.

[0007] The described known art includes some major drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, these known cosmetic containers do not ensure the correct anchoring of the cosmetic preparation to the godet. This bond is particularly fragile and therefore prone to breakage even simply by the falling of the cosmetic from even very low heights. It is emphasized that such breakage makes the cosmetic almost unusable. In fact, when the cosmetic preparation breaks its bond with the godet, it is no longer movable, exposing it to external agents that can degrade its characteristics.

[0009] Therefore, given the high frequency of cosmetic breakage, one is often forced to discard cosmetics that one has just started to use or with a relatively high residue of cosmetic preparation.

[0010] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a cosmetic container capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] Within said technical task, an important objective of the invention is to obtain a cosmetic container characterized by a stable and impact-resistant bond of the cosmetic preparation to the container.

[0012] Another important objective of the invention is to create a cosmetic container capable of withstanding impacts without the cosmetic preparation detaching from the cosmetic container and thus being usable until the cosmetic preparation is exhausted.

[0013] The technical task and the specified objectives are achieved by a cosmetic container as claimed in the attached claim 1 . Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are made clear below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Fig. 1 shows, to scale, a cosmetic according to the invention;

[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates, to scale, the cosmetic of Fig. 1 in a different position;

[0017] Fig. 3 shows, to scale, a container of the cosmetic according to the invention; Fig. 4 depicts, to scale, the container of Fig. 3 in a different position;

[0018] Fig. 5 shows, to scale and in an axonometric view, a portion of the container of Fig. 3 in a different position;

[0019] Fig. 6 outlines, to scale, a schematic representation of a process for making the cosmetic according to the invention.

[0020] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or other similar terms such as "about" or "substantially," are to be understood as subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors, and especially to slight deviations from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0021] Additionally, when used, terms like "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "main," and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation, or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components from one another.

[0022] Unless otherwise indicated, "perpendicular," "transverse," "parallel," or "normal" or other geometric positioning terms between geometric elements (e.g., axes, directions, and lines) are to be understood in relation to their mutual geometric position among the corresponding projections. These projections are defined on a single plane parallel to the plane(s) wherein said geometric elements lie.

[0023] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as being taken in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0024] With reference to the figures, the cosmetic container according to the invention is globally indicated by the number 1.

[0025] The cosmetic container 1 defines a longitudinal axis 1a.

[0026] It is suitable for containing a cosmetic preparation 2, hereinafter simply referred to as preparation 2. The cosmetic container 1 and the preparation 2, correctly bound to each other, as described below, form a cosmetic 10.

[0027] The preparation 2 is preferably in creamy, solid, or semi-solid form.

[0028] For example, preferably, the preparation 2 may be a lipstick. Alternatively, it may be another substance, such as eyeliner, kajal, eyeshadow, gloss, concealer, cream, skincare product, eye contour, or skin care product.

[0029] The preparation 2 has the longitudinal axis 1a as its preferred axis of development, appropriately centered. For example, it may be a solid of revolution, such as a cylinder.

[0030] The container 1 has the longitudinal axis 1a as its preferred axis of development, appropriately centered.

[0031] It can also internally support the preparation 2, i.e., contain it, or it can externally support the preparation 2.

[0032] The container 3 (highlighted in Figs. 3 and 4) includes a first body 31 defining a first housing 311 ; and a second body 32 at least partially housed in the first housing 311.

[0033] The first housing 311 and specifically the first body 31 may have the longitudinal axis 1a as their preferred axis of development, appropriately centered. They may be cylindrical. The first body 31 defines a first open section 312 of said first housing 311 and suitably an additional first open section of said first housing 311 located opposite the first section 312 relative to the first housing 311 .

[0034] In this document, the term section identifies a transverse surface / area and preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0035] The second body 32 may have the longitudinal axis 1a as its preferred axis of development, appropriately centered.

[0036] The second body 32 defines a second housing for at least part of the preparation 2.

[0037] The second body 32 defines at least one second open section of said second housing proximal to said first section 312 and suitably an additional second open section of said second housing and distal from the first section 312. The additional second section is located opposite the second section relative to the second housing 321.

[0038] The second housing and thus the second body 32 include a first portion 321 preferably proximal to said first section 312 and appropriately defining said second section; a second portion 322 preferably distal from the first section 312 and appropriately defining said additional second section.

[0039] The upper portion 321 has an axial extension smaller than the lower portion 322. In this document, the terms "axial" and "radial" are to be understood with reference to the longitudinal axis 1a; specifically, axial identifies a direction parallel to the axis 1a, and radial identifies a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0040] The first portion 321 is preferably configured to allow the filling and solidification, within it, of the preparation 2 in such a way as to bind the preparation 2 to the first portion 321. It is preferably made of a polymeric material, more preferably polypropylene or another material suitable for having high friction with said preparation 2.

[0041] The second portion 322 preferably includes at least part of the movement means 33, described below.

[0042] The container 1 also preferably includes connection means 325, suitable for binding the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 to each other at least parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0043] The connection means 325 are preferably adapted to create said binding by snap-fitting, preferably through a so-called snap connection.

[0044] The connection means 325 are preferably multiple, arranged symmetrically around the axis 1a. They are preferably made up of second flexible fins 334 all oriented in the same direction of engagement and a second step 335 suitable for interlocking with said fins 334, placed on the first portion 321 (Fig. 5), in such a way that when the portions 321 and 322 are brought together, the fins deform, and the interlocking occurs, while when the two members are moved relative to each other in the opposite direction, the fins do not deform and prevent said loosening.

[0045] The first portion 321 may have a different section, specifically larger than the second portion 322. Consequently, the second body 32 may include between the portions 321 and 322 a ring sector defining a rest step 323 for supporting the preparation 2.

[0046] The first portion 321 may be cylindrical. The first portion 321 preferably includes at least one fin 324 for binding the preparation 2 to the first portion 321 and thus to the second body 32, protruding into the second housing along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one fin 324 protrudes along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 1a.

[0048] The first portion 321 may include multiple fins 324 angularly spaced relative to the axis 1a and appropriately equally spaced angularly. Specifically, the fins 324 are angularly spaced, arranged along the entire inner perimeter of the second housing, and equally spaced angularly, thus dividing a sector of the second housing into compartments.

[0049] Additionally, the fins 324 are preferably not all aligned with each other along the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 1a but are placed at least on two different levels, so as not to weaken the product 2.

[0050] The container 3 preferably also includes movement means 33 configured to move the first body 31 relative to the second body 32 along the longitudinal axis 1a, appropriately by mutual rotation of the bodies 31 and 32 relatively to one another. The movement means 33 define a storage position (Figs. 1 and 3) wherein the preparation 2 is entirely within the container 3 and particularly within the first body 31 (i.e., it does not protrude from the first section 312); and at least one dispensing position (Figs. 2 and 4) wherein the preparation 2 at least partially protrudes from the container 3 and specifically from the first body 31 (i.e., from the first section 312). They are preferably of types known per se and used in common cosmetics. They preferably include at least one helical groove 331 integral with the second body 32, preferably one-piece with the second portion 322.

[0051] They may also include at least one tooth 332 for engaging said helical groove 331 ; and a control 333 integral with the tooth 332 and configured to control a mutual rotation of the tooth 332 and the helical groove 331.

[0052] The control 333 defines a containment chamber for part of the bodies 31 and 32. Specifically, it defines a first chamber housing at least part of the first body 31; and a second chamber housing at least part of the second body 32, particularly the lower portion 322. The control 333 includes a casing 333a defining said containment chamber and a wall 333b dividing the chamber into said first chamber and said second chamber.

[0053] The casing 333a may have the longitudinal axis 1a as its preferred axis of development, appropriately centered. It may be cylindrical.

[0054] It can overlap the supplementary sections and thus prevent access to the housings through the supplementary sections.

[0055] The wall 333b may have the longitudinal axis 1a as its preferred axis of development, appropriately centered. It may be cylindrical.

[0056] Wall 33b and casing 331 may be integral with each other.

[0057] Preferably, the tooth 332 is integral with wall 333b.

[0058] The casing 333a defines a visible surface of the container 3 and a grip for the user.

[0059] The first body 31 is housed in the chamber (specifically in the first chamber) only partially and freely, allowing relative rotation between the second body 32 and the same first body 31 around the axis 1a. The rotational binding 334 is configured to allow only a translation along the longitudinal axis 1a between the bodies 31 and 32 when the casing 331 is rotated relative to the second body 32, and thus the tooth 332 slides in. the helical groove 331. It can be provided near the first section 312.

[0060] The rotational binding 334 may include a member protruding from the second body 32 and configured to slide in a channel made in the first body 31.

[0061] The container 3 preferably includes a cap 35 for the second housing.

[0062] The cap 35 is configured to be releasably engaged with the mover 33, specifically with the casing 333a, enclosing within them the bodies 31 , 32, and the preparation 2.

[0063] Preferably, the container 3 exclusively includes the first body 31 , the second body 32, the mover 33, and, if the case, the cap 35.

[0064] The operation of the cosmetic container 1 described above in structural terms is as follows:

[0065] At the time of use of the preparation 2, the user removes the cap 34 from the rest of the container 3; and with one hand grips the first body 31 and with the other the grip surface of the casing 333a. At this point, the user commands a mutual rotation between the tooth 332 and the helical groove 331 , which then, thanks also to the rotational binding, commands a translation of the second body 32 relative to the first body 31 , and thus the transition from the storage position to a dispensing position wherein the preparation 2 protrudes from the container 3 and is ready for use.

[0066] The invention includes a new process for making a cosmetic 10 comprising a container 1 and a product 2 and of the type described above. This process is carried out, preferably, in a machine including at least one mold 5. It is also schematized in Fig. 6.

[0067] The manufacturing process includes:

[0068] - A first phase wherein the first portion 321 is fixed to the mold 5 to form a single production container 51, the fixing preferably occurring simply by support or similar;

[0069] - A second phase wherein the production container 51 is filled with the cosmetic product 2 in a fluid state;

[0070] - A third phase wherein the cosmetic product 2 solidifies, integrally binding with the first portion 321 ;

[0071] - A fourth phase wherein the second portion 322 is bound to the first portion 321 via the connection means 325;

[0072] - A fifth phase wherein the second body 32, comprising the first portion 321 , the second portion 322, and the product 2, is separated from the mold 5 and assembled with the remaining part of the cosmetic container 1.

[0073] The container 1 , the cosmetic 10, and thus the process according to the invention provide significant advantages.

[0074] Indeed, thanks to the innovative introduction of the fins 324, the container 3 is firmly bound to the preparation 2 without the need for a godet or other support members for the preparation 2.

[0075] This advantage results in a cosmetic characterized by greater resistance to impacts or external stresses. Indeed, the fins 324 allow any loads to be distributed over a relatively large surface area of the preparation 2, greatly reducing the risk of breakage. Additionally, the innovative manufacturing process of the cosmetic 1 , by pouring the preparation 2 directly into the container 3, not only ensures the correct adhesion of the preparation 2 to the fins 324 but also results in simpler production and thus lower costs of the cosmetic 1 . The invention is subject to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. In this context, all details can be replaced with equivalent members, and the materials, shapes, and sizes can be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. A cosmetic container (1) defining a longitudinal axis (1a), suitable for containing a cosmetic preparation (2) and comprising:- A first body (31) defining a first housing (311) and a first open section (312) of said first housing (311 );- A second body (32) to which said preparation (2) is bound and at least partially housed in said first housing (311);- Movement means (33) configured to move said first body (31 ) and said second body (32) relative to each other along said longitudinal axis (1a), causing said preparation (2) to protrude from said first section (312); and characterized in that said second body (32) comprises:- A first portion (321 ) configured to allow the filling and solidification of said preparation (2) within it, so as to bind said preparation (2) to said first portion (321 ),- A second portion (322) including at least part of said movement means (33),- Connection means (325), configured to bind said first portion (321) and said second portion (322) to each other, at least parallel to said longitudinal axis (1a).

2. Cosmetic container (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said connection means (325) are adapted to bind said first portion (321 ) and said second portion (322) to each other by snap-fitting.

3. Cosmetic container (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said connection means (325) are adapted to bind said first portion (321 ) and said second portion (322) to each other by snap-fitting via a snap connection.

4. Cosmetic container (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said firstportion (321) comprises at least one fin (324) for binding said preparation (2) to said first portion (321 ); said at least one fin (324) protruding inwardly into said first portion (321) to obstruct said preparation (2).

5. Cosmetic container (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said first portion (321) comprises a plurality of said at least one fin (324); and wherein said fins (324) are angularly open wide, arranged along the inner perimeter of said first portion (321), and equally spaced angularly in the circumferential direction along said longitudinal axis (1a).

6. Cosmetic container (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said plurality of said at least one fin (324) are not all axially aligned with each other along the axial direction relative to said longitudinal axis (1a).

7. Cosmetic container (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said movement means (33) comprise a rotational binding (334) of said first body (31 ) to said second body (32), allowing only a mutual translation between said first body (31 ) and said second body (32) along said longitudinal axis (1a).

8. Cosmetic (10) comprising a cosmetic container (1 ) according to any preceding claim and a cosmetic preparation (2).

9. Method for making a cosmetic container (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising:- A first phase wherein said first portion (321) is bound to a mold (5) so as to form a single production container (51),- A second phase wherein said production container (51) is filled with said cosmetic preparation (2) in a fluid state,- A third phase wherein said cosmetic preparation (2) solidifies, integrally binding to said first portion (321),- A fourth phase wherein said second portion (322) is bound to said first portion (321 ) via said connection means (325),- A fifth phase wherein said second body (32), comprising said first portion (321 ), said second portion (322), and said preparation (2), is separated from said mold (5) and assembled with the remaining part of said cosmetic container (1 ).

10. Method for making a cosmetic container (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said mold (5) comprises low-friction walls in order to facilitate the separation of said preparation (2) from said mold (5).

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