Reusable Cosmetic Stick Packaging with Embedded Arcuate Bridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic stick products require complex packaging mechanisms, such as elevators or spindles, which increase costs and waste, and are often disposed of entirely after use, contributing to plastic waste.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic stick product with a retaining member that is axially immobile and reversibly connected to a holder, featuring arcuate bridge structures embedded in the composition, eliminating the need for elevators and allowing reuse of the packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an elevator mechanism is used to elevate the stick composition out of the container, then the stick composition can be accessed for use, but the packaging becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to stick compositionVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the elevator mechanism and spindle from the packaging structure. The stick composition is held directly on the retaining member which is part of the holder assembly, removing the need for separate elevation mechanisms while maintaining accessibility for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is integrated directly into the holder assembly, merging the functions of the holder and the stick support structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate elevator mechanisms and reduces overall packaging complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a plastic container with elevator mechanism is used, then the stick composition is protected and accessible, but plastic waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protection and accessibilityVSAvoidplastic packaging waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly with retaining member is designed to be reusable and recoverable. The stick composition can be replaced in the same holder assembly, allowing the packaging structure to be recovered and reused multiple times, thereby reducing plastic waste compared to single-use containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The holder assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the stick composition, provides structural support, and can be reused with different stick compositions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple single-use containers, decreasing plastic waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a spindle and platform structure is used, then the stick composition is elevated and accessible, but the packaging material requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestick composition accessibilityVSAvoidpackaging material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the spindle and platform structures from the packaging. The stick composition is held directly on the retaining member which is integrated into the holder, eliminating the need for additional packaging materials that would be required for spindles and platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is merged with the holder assembly, combining the support function into an existing structure rather than adding separate spindle and platform components, thereby reducing total packaging material requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4440374B1Packaged cosmetic stick product
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV
  • EP4440374B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4440374B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4440374B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A packaged cosmetic stick product comprising a cosmetic stick composition mounted on an axially immobile retaining member, the retaining member being reversibly connected to a holder enabling the cosmetic stick product to be held in the human hand, wherein the retaining member comprises arcuate bridge structures separated by holes, the bridge structures arcing into the cosmetic stick composition and being embedded therein.