Packaging for cosmetics

Abstract

A packaging (1) for cosmetics comprising a reservoir (2) developed predominantly along a main axis (2a) and including a containment space (20) capable of containing a cosmetic product, walls (21) developed around the main axis (2a) and delimiting the space (20) laterally, a bottom (22) transverse to the main axis (2a) and delimiting the space (20) inferiorly, an access (23) delimited by the walls (21) at one side of the reservoir (2) opposite the bottom (22); an applicator (3) supported in a sliding manner parallel to the main axis (2a) within the space (20) so as to define at least one loading position in which the applicator (3) is entirely contained therein to withdraw cosmetic product, and one use position in which the applicator (3) is extracted; an extraction assembly (4) configured to move the applicator (3) from the loading position to the use position, or vice versa, and comprising a knob (40) accessible from outside the reservoir (2) and sliding parallel to the main axis (2a), a transmission band (41) integral with it and operatively connected to the applicator (3) in such a way as to move it in relation to the movement of the knob (40); a guide (24) developing alongside the walls (21) externally to the space (20) and housing at least the band (41), and the extraction assembly (4) further comprising connecting means (42) including a first element (42a) integral to the band (41) and a second element (42b) integral to the applicator (3) realizing a mutual magnetic attraction force and separated by the walls (21).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PACKAGING FOR COSMETICS

[0003] The present invention relates to a cosmetic packaging of the type specified in the preamble to the first claim.

[0004] Specifically, the object of the present invention is a device used for the containment and, preferably, application of a cosmetic product. Such a cosmetic product can be a mascara, blush, lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner, kajal, eye shadow, gloss, foundation, concealer, serum, cream, cosmetic or other skin care, eye contour or skin care product.

[0005] As is well known, the packaging used for cosmetics in the liquid or cream state consists of a container housing the cosmetic and a cap that can be committed via a closure to the container in a closed configuration.

[0006] Specifically, conventional cosmetic products in the cream / liquid state have a container consisting of a casing defining a containment chamber for applicator and cosmetic and a cap designed to hermetically seal the holding chamber.

[0007] In addition, especially casings containing liquid-type cosmetics are hermetically sealed in order to prevent or greatly slow down the oxidation of the cosmetic enclosed within or the evaporation of volatile compounds, including water, that may be present in the formula.

[0008] Especially in the case of mascaras, the applicator is often integral with the cap so that the applicator can be removed from the cosmetic product when the cap is removed from the holding chamber.

[0009] Alternatively, the applicator may be non-secured to the cap and include mechanisms configured to allow the applicator to be pulled out of the holding chamber on command. A device comprising such mechanisms is, for example, described in patent document IIS-B -6718990.

[0010] The patent describes a cosmetics container wherein the body of the container defines a reservoir with cosmetics inside and, in addition, an access passage to the reservoir and thus to the container. A resilient element is, therefore, mounted near the passage. In addition, a cosmetics applicator is supported in a sliding manner inside the reservoir to move from a loading position to a use position that extends through the passage. The patent introduces a drive assembly including a knob on the outside of the container suitable for one-handed handling that slides a drive belt with one end connected to the applicator in the reservoir and the other end connected to a cover. Operating the knob in a first direction simultaneously pulls the cover off and pushes the applicator out of the reservoir.

[0011] The prior art includes important drawbacks.

[0012] In particular, especially with reference to the cosmetic product described in US-B- 6718990, the drive belt must necessarily pass inside the containment casing and move through a slot.

[0013] Such a slot, therefore, results not only in a certain degree of friction to the sliding of the drive belt, but also in a loss of the cosmetic contained within the casing.

[0014] Thus, the loss may be protracted over time and may sometimes be increased by the handling of the same cosmetic product, for example, for, and following, use or otherwise.

[0015] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise packaging for cosmetics that can substantially overcome at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0016] Within the scope of the said technical task, it is an important purpose of the invention to obtain cosmetic packaging in which the applicator is removable, but the extraction mechanism does not result in excessive friction to the belt movement.

[0017] Another important purpose of the invention is to make packaging for cosmetics in which there is no leakage of cosmetics from the containment casing.

[0018] In addition, a further task of the invention is to make a cosmetic packaging in which the extraction of the applicator, and in detail the application of the cosmetic product, can be accomplished with one hand, without the need for any other handle.

[0019] The specified technical task and purposes are achieved by the packaging for cosmetics as claimed in the attached claim 1.

[0020] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in dependent claims.

[0021] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of a cosmetic packaging according to the invention wherein the applicator is in the use position, i.e. , extracted from the container;

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of a cosmetic packaging according to the invention wherein the applicator is in the loading position, i.e., inside the container to withdrawing the product;

[0024] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a cosmetic packaging according to the invention;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a front view of a cosmetic packaging according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal view of a cosmetic packaging according to the invention;

[0027] In this document, when measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are associated with words like “approximately” or other similar terms, such as “almost” or “substantially”, they shall be understood as except for errors of measurement or imprecisions due to errors of production and / or manufacturing and, above all, except for a slight departure from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, if associated with a value, such terms preferably indicate a departure of no more than 10% of the value itself.

[0028] Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “higher”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, as reflected in the following discussions, terms such as "processing”, "computing”, "determination”, "computation”, orthe like are considered to refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of records of a computer system and / or memories, in other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0030] Unless otherwise stated, the measurements and data reported in this text shall be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0031] With reference to the figures, the cosmetic packaging according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

[0032] Packaging 1 is basically a container for a cosmetic product, like a preparation used to care for, preserve, or enhance the health and beauty primarily of the skin, body, face, and eyes. The cosmetic product can be of any type; however, it is preferably a liquid, creamy or pasty cosmetic, like a mascara.

[0033] Packaging 1 , therefore, includes at least one reservoir 2.

[0034] Reservoir 2 is a containing body wherein the cosmetic product is preferably housed at least when packaging 1 is in use.

[0035] Preferably, reservoir 2 is mainly developed along a main axis 2a.

[0036] The main axis 2a is a virtual axis. It is identified, for example, by the direction of greatest extent of reservoir 2. Thus, it could be a central, barycentric axis. For example, reservoir 2 could define a nearly cylindrical shape.

[0037] Reservoir 2, in addition, includes a containment space 20.

[0038] The containment space 20 corresponds to the containment volume of reservoir 2. Thus, containment space 20 is suitable for containing a cosmetic product.

[0039] In addition, reservoir 2 includes walls 21.

[0040] Walls 21 are developed around the main axis 2a. Thus, the walls 21 laterally bound the containment space 20. Walls 21 then define the side barriers that contain the cosmetic product within.

[0041] Reservoir 2, of course, also includes a bottom 22.

[0042] The bottom 22 is basically transverse to the main axis 2a. In addition, the bottom 22 bounds the containment space 20 inferiorly. Thus, the bottom 22 is itself bounded by the walls 21 to which it is connected.

[0043] The bottom 22 can be flat or, more appropriately, curved. In addition, the bottom 22 can be in one piece with the walls 21 , or it can be made by means of a plug, detachably joined to the walls 21 , possibly equipped with sealing means, such as an O-ring.

[0044] Thus, reservoir 2 also includes one access 23. Access 23 is bounded by walls 21. Specifically, access 23 is bounded by walls 21 at one side of reservoir 2 opposite the bottom 22.

[0045] Reservoir 2 could also include a gasket 25.

[0046] If present, gasket 25 can be placed at access 23. In detail, it is similar to a mascara seal, i.e. , a wiper, into which the bristles of the applicator 3 can be passed. Packaging 1 also includes, in any case, a guide 24.

[0047] Guide 24 runs alongside the walls 21 . It may be part of reservoir 2 or may develop around it. In addition, it can be formed on the walls 21 or spaced apart from them. Therefore, guide 24 is developed externally to containment space 20.

[0048] The guide 24 can essentially include a smooth surface or a defined groove on the walls 21 or more.

[0049] In addition, guide 24 is preferably developed along a trajectory 24a.

[0050] Trajectory 24a defines the path developed by guide 24. Preferably, trajectory 24a is U-shaped. In this sense, it is not intended that trajectory 24a should necessarily be understood as a path having such a specific shape, but only that it defines two sections parallel or at most transversely to the main axis 2a, in some cases nearly parallel, and mutually connected at their own ends. Therefore, a similar shape, such as squarer, or V-shaped, could be equally functional.

[0051] Preferably, the U-shaped trajectory 24a extends alongside the walls 21 parallel to the main axis 2a transiting at the bottom 22, preferably inferior to it.

[0052] Packaging 1 also includes an applicator 3.

[0053] Applicator 3 is basically an element designed to allow the cosmetic to be loaded onto itself to enable, precisely, its application to, for example, a user's skin. Applicator 3 can then include means designed to enable the application of a cosmetic such as blush, lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner, a kajal, eye shadow, gloss, foundation, concealer, or other.

[0054] Therefore, for example, if packaging 1 is a mascara, applicator 3 may include a brush end, i.e. bristled.

[0055] In addition, the applicator 3 is smoothly supported parallel to the main axis 2a. In detail, applicator 3 is supported smoothly within containment space 20 in such a way that at least one loading position (Fig. 2) and one use position (Fig. 1 ) are defined.

[0056] The loading position is the position where the applicator 3 is fully contained in the containment space 20. Thus, the loading position is the position at which the applicator 3 picks up the cosmetic product.

[0057] The use position, on the other hand, is the position at which the applicator 3 is extracted from the containment space 20. Then, applicator 3 protrudes, in the position of use, from reservoir 2 through access 23 to allow the cosmetic product to be used.

[0058] Packaging 1 also includes, in addition, an extraction assembly 4.

[0059] Extraction assembly 4 is configured to move applicator 3. Therefore, the extraction assembly 4 is designed to allow the transition from the loading position to the use position, or vice versa, of the applicator 3.

[0060] Thus, extraction assembly 4 includes at least one knob 40.

[0061] Knob 40 is accessible from outside reservoir 2. In addition, knob 40 is sliding, relative to reservoir 2, transversely and in detail parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0062] Knob 40, in more detail, is designed to allow its manipulation with only one finger of a user.

[0063] Thus, extraction assembly 4 includes also one band 41.

[0064] Band 41 is basically a motion transmission element. Thus, band 41 is integral to knob 40 such that a movement of the latter results in a movement of band 41 as well.

[0065] Band 41 is, in addition, operationally connected to applicator 3. Therefore, the handling of applicator 3 can be realized in relation to the handling of knob 40.

[0066] Band 41 can, for example, be a cable / belt subtended between knob 40 and applicator 3 and thus connects knob 40 to applicator 3.

[0067] Band 41 in particular is preferably elastically deformable. In particular, it is more appropriate for band 41 to be deformable in the case where guide 24 defines a II- shaped trajectory 24a.

[0068] In fact, band 41 can deform when moved in guide 24 along trajectory 24a by conforming to it.

[0069] In any case, preferably, extraction assembly 4 further includes connecting means 42

[0070] The connecting means 42 are basically designed to determine the operational connection between band 41 and applicator 3.

[0071] In this regard, advantageously, connecting means 42 include a first element 42a and a second element 42b.

[0072] The first element 42a is integral to band 41 . The second element 42b is, however, integral to applicator 3. Preferably, the second element 42b is encased in a part of the applicator, or capped, such that it is not in contact with the cosmetic product within the containment space 20.

[0073] Thus, elements 42a and 42b realize a mutual magnetic attraction force between them. Thus, the magnetic force enables the remote connection of applicator 3 and band 41. Also, preferably, the magnetic force developed by elements 42a and 42b is at least equal to the weight of applicator 3 and thus sufficient to support applicator 3.

[0074] In each case, advantageously, elements 42a and 42b are separated by walls 21 so that applicator 3 and band 41 are operationally connected without being in contact with each other. Also advantageously, band 41 does not interfere with the containment space 20 since it is developed outside of it.

[0075] In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment in which the guide is U-shaped, knob 40 is placed at one side of reservoir 2 opposite the first element 42a. Therefore, given the structure, a movement of the knob 40 parallel to the main axis 2a corresponds to a movement of the applicator 3 in the opposite direction parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0076] Elements 42a and 42b can include different combinations of materials. Specifically, preferably, one or more of elements 42a and 42b includes a permanent magnet.

[0077] Also, in the preferred embodiment, the first element 42a is placed at a first end of band 41 , while knob 40 is placed at a second end, opposite to the first end, of band 41.

[0078] This configuration is particularly advantageous if packaging 1 also includes an additional element.

[0079] In fact, packaging 1 may also include a cap 5.

[0080] Cap 5, if present, is placed at access 23. If gasket 25 is present, cap 5 may also be suitable for plugging gasket 25.

[0081] In addition, it is removable with respect to access 23. For example, cap 5 may be designed to be coupled with reservoir 2 and then totally removed from it.

[0082] Or, cap 5 can be loosely constrained to knob 40.

[0083] In detail, cap 5 can be constrained to knob 40 by means of a hinge so that it can rotate relative to knob 40 around an axis of rotation 4a. The axis of rotation 4a preferentially develops tangentially to the walls 21. In addition, the axis of rotation 4a is skewed from the main axis 2a.

[0084] Thus, by virtue of the constraint between cap 5 and knob 40, cap 5 can move integrally with knob 40 along trajectory 24a defining at least one closed condition and one open condition.

[0085] In the closed condition, cap 5 is transverse to the main axis 2a. Thus, cap 5 overlaps and occludes access 23. Given the position of knob 40, in this condition, applicator 3 is preferably in the loading position.

[0086] In the open condition, cap 5 is parallel to the main axis 2a. In addition, cap 5 lies on the walls 21 freeing access 23. Preferably, in this condition, applicator 3 is in the use position.

[0087] Packaging 1 may also include additional elements.

[0088] For example, packaging 1 may further include a casing 6.

[0089] Casing 6, if present, houses reservoir 2. In addition, casing 6 also houses, appropriately partially, extraction assembly 4. Thus, casing 6 includes an outer surface 60.

[0090] The outer surface 60 is given by the portion of the casing 6 facing the external environment, that is, exposed to the outside. Therefore, preferably, the outer surface 60 includes at least one slot 60a.

[0091] Slot 60a is basically a through-hole through which knob 40 is accessible. Therefore, slot 60a runs parallel to part of trajectory 24a on outer surface 60. In detail, slot 60a is developed along a segment in such a way as to define a stroke on the outer surface 60 for knob 40.

[0092] If the packaging has cap 5 and casing 6, cap 5 is coupled to casing 6 when in the closed position. In addition, packaging 1 may also include closure means 7.

[0093] If present, the closure means 7 are useful to ensure that the reservoir 2, especially the cosmetic product, remains closed and sealed within the packaging 1 .

[0094] The closure means 7 are, in fact, preferably configured to keep the cap 5 coupled to the reservoir 2, or to the casing 6, when in the closed position.

[0095] Thus, the closure means 7 include a first component 70 and a second component 71.

[0096] The first component 70 is integral to reservoir 2 or casing 6.

[0097] The second component 71 is integral to cap 5.

[0098] Thus, similar to the connecting means 42, components 70 and 71 are configured to realize a force of mutual magnetic attraction.

[0099] For example, one or more of components 70 and 71 may also include a permanent magnet.

[0100] Packaging 1 can then enable the creation of an innovative mascara.

[0101] If configured as mascara, preferably, packaging 1 includes an applicator 3 that includes a brush end.

[0102] Finally, the invention introduces a cosmetic product comprising an above-described packaging 1 and a cosmetic placed in the containment space 20. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the cosmetic can be a mascara and the packaging 1 includes an applicator 3 that includes a brush end.

[0103] The operation of packaging 1 for cosmetic, previously described in structural terms, and thus the cosmetic product, is as follows.

[0104] Basically, moving the knob 40 allows the applicator 3 and, simultaneously, the cap 5 to be moved in such a way as to open the access 23 and extract the applicator 3 from the containment space 20. Once applicator 3 has been extracted, knob 40 can be returned to its initial position to return applicator 3 within containment space 20 and cap 5 to closure on access 23.

[0105] Packaging 1 for cosmetics and thus the cosmetic product according to the invention achieve important advantages.

[0106] In fact, packaging 1 for cosmetics includes an applicator extraction mechanism that does not result in excessive friction to the handling of band 41 , as the latter does not have to penetrate sealed holes.

[0107] In addition, packaging 1 for cosmetics defines a structure in which there is no leakage of cosmetic from the containment casing.

[0108] In addition, packaging 1 for cosmetics allows for one-handed applicator extraction, and in detail cosmetic product application, to be accomplished without the need for other handholding. As a result, the cosmetic product allows easy, quick and precise application of the cosmetic product. Variations may be made to the invention that fall within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims.

[0109] In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and any materials, shapes and dimensions can be used.

Claims

CLAI MS1. Packaging (1 ) for cosmetics comprising:- a reservoir (2) developed predominantly along a main axis (2a) and comprising:- a containment space (20) suitable for containing a cosmetic,- walls (21 ) extending around said main axis (2a) and laterally delimiting said containment space (20),- a bottom (22) transversal to said main axis (2a) and delimiting inferiorly said containment space (20),- an access (23) bounded by said walls (21 ) on one side of said container (2) opposite said bottom (22);- an applicator (3) supported in a sliding manner parallel to said main axis (2a) and with respect to said containment space (20) so as to define at least:- a loading position wherein said applicator (3) is entirely contained in said containment space (20) for withdrawing said cosmetic, and- a use position wherein said applicator (3) is extracted from said containment space (20) and protrudes from said reservoir (2) through said access (23);- an extraction assembly (4) configured to move said applicator (3) from said loading position to said use position or vice versa, and comprising- a knob (40) accessible from outside said reservoir (2) and sliding with respect to said reservoir (2) parallel to said main axis (2a),- a transmission band (41 ) integral with said knob (40) and operatively connected to said applicator (3) in such a way as to move said applicator (3) in relation to the movement of said knob (40);- a guide (24) developing alongside said walls (21 ) external to said containment space (20) and housing at least said band (41 ),and characterized in that- said extraction assembly (4) further comprises connection means (42) including a first element (42a) integral to said band (41 ) and a second element (42b) integral to said applicator (3) realizing a mutual magnetic attraction force and separated by said walls (21 ) in such a way that said applicator (3) and said band (41 ) are operatively connected without being in mutual contact and that said band (41 ) does not interfere with said containment space (20).

2. Packaging (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said guide (24) is developed along a U-shaped trajectory (24a) extending alongside said walls (21 ) parallel to said main axis (2a), passing in front of said bottom (22), said band (41 ) is deformable when moved in said guide (24) along said trajectory (24a) and said knob (40) is placed at a side of said reservoir (2) opposite to said first element (42a) in such a way that a movement of said knob (40) parallel to said main axis (2a) corresponds to a movement of said applicator (3) in the opposite direction parallel to said main axis (2a).

3. Packaging (1 ) according to the previous claim, wherein one or more of said elements (42a, 42b) comprises a permanent magnet.

4. Packaging (1 ) according to any previous claim, wherein said first element (42a) is placed at a first end of said band (41 ) and said knob (40) is placed at a second end, opposite said first end, of said band (41 ).

5. Packaging (1 ) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cap (5) placed at said access (23) and removable with respect to said access (23).

6. Packaging (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims 4-5, wherein said cap (5) is loosely constrained to said knob (40) by means of a hinge so as to be able to rotate with respect to said knob (40) about a rotation axis (4a), developingtangentially to said walls (21 ) and crooked with respect to said main axis (2a), and to be able to move solidly with said knob (40) along said trajectory (24a) defining:- a closed condition wherein said cap (5) is transverse to said principal axis (2a), occludes said access (23) and said applicator (3) is in said loaded position; and- an open condition wherein said cap (5) is parallel to said main axis (2a), lies on said walls (21 ) releasing said access (23) and said applicator (3) is in said use position.

7. Packaging (1 ) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a casing (6) housing said reservoir (2) and said extraction assembly (4) and comprising an outer surface (60) including at least one slit (60a) through which said knob (40) is accessible and developing parallel to part of said trajectory (24a) on said outer surface (60) so as to define a stroke on said outer surface (60) for said knob (40).

8. Packaging (1 ) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein said cap (5) is coupled to said casing (6) when in said closed position.

9. Packaging (1 ) according to claim 8, comprising closure means (7) configured to maintain said cap (5) coupled to said reservoir (2) when in said closed position and comprising a first component (70) integral with said reservoir (2) and a second component (71 ) integral with said cap (5) and configured to realize a force of mutual magnetic attraction.

10. Mascara including a packaging (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said applicator (3) comprises a brush end.

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