COSMETIC CONTAINER WITH SWIRLING SURFACE

Abstract

A cosmetic container may include a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, and a cavity provided within the body for holding a product. The cosmetic container may include a lid for coupling to the jar, and a sifter including a plurality of openings, configured to be held within an upper portion of the cavity within the jar body. The cosmetic container may further include a product swirling surface, wherein the product swirling surface includes a plurality of ribs.

Description

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a cosmetic container, and in particular, a cosmetic container having a product swirling surface.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic materials such as those used for cosmetic foundation or finishing are typically provided as a compacted or a loose material. Loose materials, including loose powder, are becoming more common in part because loose material provides improved coverage of the material on a surface. The loose material may be provided in a container with a base, cover, and divider or sifter. The sifter is typically a flat surface containing perforations, so that the container may be opened and the powder may be shaken out of the perforations and applied to an applicator.

A typical means for applying a loose powder may include shaking the powder out through the perforations and onto the cap, and dipping a cosmetic brush into the loose powder that has been shaken through the perforations in the sifter. Alternatively, the cap can remain on the container and the container can be shaken until some product passes through the perforations; the cap is then opened and the brush is dipped onto the product on the sifter. An excessive amount of powder tends to collect on the brush in an uneven manner, requiring a user having to remove some of the powder prior to application. A user may remove the excess powder from the brush in various ways, such as tapping the brush on the side of the container, blowing on the brush, tapping the brush on a hard surface, such as a sink, counter top, and the like. This may create a mess and make it difficult for a user to evenly apply a loose powder. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved cosmetic containers.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

In a first example, a cosmetic container may comprise a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end may extend into a cavity within the body for holding a product. The cosmetic container may further comprise a lid configured for coupling to the jar, wherein the lid may have a product swirling surface, the product swirling surface may include a plurality of ribs, and a sifter having sides and a base, may be configured to be held within an upper portion of the cavity, wherein the base of the sifter may include a plurality of openings to permit access to the product.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the product swirling surface may be built into the lid.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lid may comprise an outer shell and a lid plate, the lid plate including the product swirling surface.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of ribs may form concentric circles, the concentric circles having an elevated region located between a first depressed region at a center region of the product swirling surface and a second depressed region at an outer edge of the product swirling surface.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of ribs may be disposed at the center region of the product swirling surface, and the plurality of ribs may be parallel to one another and form a peak with an elevated region at the center region of the product swirling surface

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of ribs may extend radially outward from the center region of the product swirling surface toward the outer edge of the product swirling surface, the ribs forming a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the ribs.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of ribs may form concentric circles, the concentric circles having alternating peaks and valleys forming a wave pattern located between the first depressed region at the center region of the product swirling surface and the second depressed region at the outer edge of the product swirling surface.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the sifter and the body may have generally the same shape.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of openings may extend to the sides of the sifter.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the sifter may include the product swirling surface, and the product swirling surface may include the plurality of ribs.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the jar and sifter may be assembled together such that the product swirling surface of the sifter faces up.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the openings in the sifter may be located solely in the center region of the product swirling surface.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, at least one opening in the sifter may be placed between two of the ribs

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, a method of using a product swirling surface of the cosmetic container may include, sifting the product through the plurality of openings of the sifter, placing a cosmetic brush on the product swirling surface making contact with the plurality of ribs, wherein the swirling distributes the product into the cosmetic brush.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, a cosmetic container may include a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, where the open end may extend into a cavity within the body for holding a product, and a lid configured for coupling to the jar, wherein the jar may have a product swirling surface and the product swirling surface may include a plurality of ribs.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an illustrative cosmetic container from a top to bottom perspective.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an illustrative cosmetic container from a bottom to top perspective.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an underside of a lid including an illustrative product swirling surface contained within.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of the lid as in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another illustrative product swirling surface.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a third illustrative product swirling surface.

FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the third illustrative product swirling surface of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a fourth illustrative product swirling surface.

FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of the fourth illustrative product swirling surface of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an illustrative sifter including an illustrative product swirling surface contained within.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein the like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in nature.

For convenience, the present disclosure may be described using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others. It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container 10 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the cosmetic container 10 may include a container, receptacle, or jar having a body 14, and a lid 12 having an outer shell 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the body may include a closed end 13. The cosmetic container 10 may be cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, the cosmetic container 10 may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or any other desired shape.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded views of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. FIG. 2 is illustrative of a top to bottom perspective and FIG. 3 is illustrative of a bottom to top perspective. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cosmetic container 10 may include the jar having the body 14 with an open end 15, and a closed end 13, defining a cavity 17 within the body 14 for receiving a cosmetic product.

The cosmetic container 10 may include the lid 12 having the outer shell 11 and an inner surface 19. The lid 12 may be configured to be coupled to the jar body 14, such that when assembled together, the lid 12 and jar body 14 provide an effective barrier for containing the product. The jar body 14 and/or the lid 12 are typically made of a glass, a plastic, a metal, combinations of the foregoing, or the like, that when closed together, form the cavity 17 within. The jar body 14 and lid 12 assemblies may have a substantially round shape in which the seal may be provided by a thread fastening mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. However, it is contemplated that the jar body 14 and the lid 12 may have an alternative shape (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other shape desired) and may be sealed by a magnetic fastening mechanism, a snap fastening mechanism, or a clamp fastening system. It may be further contemplated that the outer shell 11 of the lid 12 and the jar body 14 have one shape and the sealing mechanism (e.g., the open end 15 of the jar body 14 and the inner surface 19 of the lid 12) have a second, substantially round shape, wherein the seal may be provided by a thread fastening mechanism. Some assemblies, when fastened together, can compress an O-ring or a gasket interposed by the jar body 14 and the lid 12. Other examples may not be airtight and may simply serve to effectively contain and prevent spillage of the cosmetic product therein.

In some embodiments, a sifter 16 may be positioned within the jar body 14 where it fits above the product contained within the cavity 17. The sifter 16 may have sides 23, and a base 25, where the sides 23 may form a lip 38 at a top portion of the sifter 16. The sifter 16 may have a size and shape that corresponds with the size and shape of the jar body 14, thereby enclosing the product within the cavity 17. The lip 38 of the sifter 16 is configured to rest on a ledge 40 at the open end 15 of the jar body 14, and the sides 23 may extend downward within the cavity 17. In this manner, the sifter 16 is held within the cavity 17 of the jar body 14, where the base 25 is positioned below the open end 15 of the jar body 14 and above the product within the cavity 17. When the base 25 is positioned below the open end 15 of the jar body 14, a gap (not shown) may be formed between the base 25 and the open end 15, or between the sifter 16 and the lid 12. The gap provided may allow for placement and/or retention of a cosmetic implement such as, but not limited to, a brush, a sponge, an applicator, etc. In some embodiments, the product may be contained within a pot (not shown) sized for placement in the cavity 17 of the jar body 14, below the base 25 of the sifter 16. In other examples, the lid 12 and/or jar body 14 may comprise a slot to receive and/or hold a cosmetic instrument such as a brush, sponge, doe foot or the like.

The illustrative cosmetic container 10 may be useful for receiving cosmetic products such as, but not limited to, loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like) and pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like). However, the illustrative cosmetic container 10 may also be useful for alternative cosmetic products such as, creams or lotions (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreens, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, solid perfume and the like. Some such examples may omit the sifter 16, but may still include the product swirling surface 22 as illustrated herein, on or within the lid 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the sifter 16 may include a plurality of openings 24 within the base 25. The plurality of openings 24 may provide access to the product contained within the cavity 17 of the jar body 14. In some examples, the plurality of openings 24 may extend to the sides 23 of the sifter 16 or they may span only a portion of the base 25. In some embodiments, the sifter 16 may be permanently coupled to the jar body 14, and in other embodiments, the sifter 16 may be removably coupled to the jar body 14 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) so the cavity 17 (and/or pot, not shown) may be refilled once the product has been depleted. A tab 36 may be provided at the top portion of the sifter 16, allowing for removal of the sifter 16. The sifter 16 may be comprised of plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, carbon-fiber, composites thereof, combinations thereof, or any other type of rigid material that may allow for the plurality of openings 24. It may be contemplated that further embodiments of the sifter 16 may be a wire mesh, rigid cloth, or any other construction that limits the dispensing rate of the product.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, some embodiments may include a product swirling surface 22. The product swirling surface 22 may provide a user with a surface for swirling a cosmetic brush, for example, that aids in removal of excess product (e.g., loose powder) and provides a more even distribution of the product on the cosmetic brush. The product swirling surface 22 may be formed by a lid plate 18 having a plurality of ribs 20 disposed thereon (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B). The lid plate 18 may be a separate component (e.g., a stationary insert) positioned within the lid 12, where the plurality of ribs 20 are in a downward facing position (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) when the cosmetic container 10 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the lid plate 18 may be coupled to the underside of the outer shell 11 of the lid 12 using adhesive, heat, mechanical attachment, or any other method of attachment desired. The plurality of ribs 20 are shown as cut or molded pieces of a single piece lid plate 18. The structure may be formed by molding, insert molding, stamping, a removal process, or any suitable method. In other examples, the plurality of ribs 20 may be placed on top of the surface of the lid plate 18 and attached thereto.

In some embodiments, the product swirling surface may be built into the lid 112, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, such as by molding or insert molding. In this example, the product swirling surface 122 is built into the lid 112 with a plurality of ribs 120 forming concentric circles, where the concentric circles have an elevated region 130 positioned between a first depressed region 132 at a center region 126 of the product swirling surface 122, and a second depressed region 134 at an outer edge 128 of the product swirling surface 122, where the center region 126 and the outer edge 128 are generally flat surfaces.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of the lid 112 having the product swirling surface 122 built in (as shown in FIG. 4A). The cross-section view of FIG. 4B more clearly illustrates the elevated region 130 positioned between the first depressed region 132 at the center region 126 of the product swirling surface 122, and the second depressed region 134 at the outer edge 128 of the product swirling surface 122. The lid 112 having the product swirling surface 122 built in, may be formed by molding or any other suitable process.

In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the product swirling surface may be a separate component within the cosmetic container, formed by a lid plate that attaches to the interior of the lid, as shown in FIGS. 5-7B. FIG. 5 shows the lid plate 18 of FIGS. 2-3. The lid plate 18 has the plurality of ribs 20, where the plurality of ribs 20 are disposed at the center region 26 of the product swirling surface 22. The plurality of ribs 20, as shown in FIG. 5, may be parallel to one another running across the face of the rib plate 18. The plurality of ribs 20 may form a peak or elevated region 30 at the center region 26 of the product swirling surface 22, and may gradually decrease in height as the plurality of ribs 20 move towards the outer edge 28 of the product swirling surface 22, the outer edge 28 having a generally flat surface.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternative or additional exemplary embodiment of the lid plate 218 having the plurality of ribs 220, where the plurality of ribs 220 may form a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the plurality of ribs 220. The half-toroid surface may be formed by an elevated region 230 positioned between a first depressed region 232 at the center region 226 of the product swirling surface 222, and a second depressed region 234 at the outer edge 228 of the product swirling surface 222, where the center region 226 and the outer edge 228 are generally flat surfaces. The plurality of ribs 220 may extend radially outward from the center region 226 of the product swirling surface 222 toward the outer edge 228 of the product swirling surface 222. The cross-section view of FIG. 6B illustrates the half-toroid surface formed by the elevated region 230 positioned between the first depressed region 232 at the center region 226 of the product swirling surface 222, and the second depressed region 234 at the outer edge 228 of the product swirling surface 222.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternative or additional exemplary embodiment of the lid plate 318 having the plurality of ribs 320, where the plurality of ribs 320 may form concentric circles having alternating peaks and valleys, forming an undulating or wave pattern. The wave pattern is positioned between the first depressed region 332 at the center region 326 of the product swirling surface 322, and the second depressed region 334 at the outer edge 328 of the product swirling surface 322, where the center region 326 and the outer edge 328 are generally flat surfaces. The cross-section view of FIG. 7B more clearly illustrates the wave pattern positioned between the first depressed region 332 at the center region 326 of the product swirling surface 322, and the second depressed region 334 at the outer edge 328 of the product swirling surface 322.

Alternatively or additionally, the product swirling surface 422 may be included within the sifter 416, as shown in FIG. 8. The product swirling surface 422 may be formed as part of the sifter 416 (as shown in FIG. 8) or alternatively, may be formed by having a plate similar to the above lid plates disposed at the base of the sifter 416 and secured thereto using adhesive, heat, mechanical attachment, or any other method of attachment desired. A mold or other process may be used instead. In other examples, the plurality of ribs 420 may be placed on top of the surface of the sifter 416.

As mentioned above, the sifter 416 may be positioned within the jar body where it fits above the product contained within the cavity. When the jar body and the sifter 416 are assembled, the sifter 416 is contained within the cavity and the product swirling surface 422 may face in an upward direction. The sifter 416 may have sides 423, and the base 425, where the sides 423 may form a lip at the top portion of the sifter 416 as shown above in FIGS. 2-3. Instead of having a generally flat base, the sifter 416 may include the plurality of ribs 420. An illustrative shape is shown in FIG. 8; in other examples, the sifter may incorporate the shape of any one of the above mentioned embodiments of the product swirling surface 422.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 8, the sifter 416 includes the product swirling surface 422, where the plurality of ribs 420 may form a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the plurality of ribs 420. The half-toroid surface may be formed by the elevated region 430 positioned between the first depressed region 432 at the center region 426 of the product swirling surface 422, and the second depressed region 434 at the outer edge 428 of the product swirling surface 422, where the center region 426 and the outer edge 428 are generally flat surfaces. The plurality of ribs 420 may extend radially outward from the center region 426 of the product swirling surface 422 toward the outer edge 428 of the product swirling surface 422.

In some embodiments, where the product swirling surface 422 is formed as part of the sifter 416, as shown in FIG. 8, the center region 426 of the product swirling surface 422 may include the plurality of openings 424. The plurality of openings 424 may be positioned solely at the center region 426 of the product swirling surface 422. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of openings 424 may extend to the sides 423 of the sifter 416 including in the region of the product swirling surface 422, or they may span only a portion of the base 425. The plurality of openings 424 may be positioned where one or more of the openings 424 are provided between two of the ribs 420.

Referring again to the example of FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B, in one example, a user may sift the product (e.g., a loose powder) through the plurality of openings 24 of the sifter 16 into the base 25 of the sifter 16. A user may then place a cosmetic brush, for example, on the sifter 16 to receive at least a portion of the product on the brush, and swirl the brush on the product swirling surface 22 making contact with the plurality of ribs 20, thereby removing excess product and providing a more even distribution of the product into the brush. As described above, the product swirling surface 22 may be included within the lid 12 and/or may be included within the sifter 16. The product swirling surface 22 provides a cleaner and more effective tool for evenly distributing a cosmetic product. Such a method may also be performed using the illustrative swirling surfaces and/or sifters as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and/or 8.

In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, thermosets, other polymers, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments, however, may include cosmetic containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the jar body 14 and/or the lid 12 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container comprising: a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, the open end extending into a cavity within the body for holding a product;a lid configured for coupling to the jar, the lid having a product swirling surface, the product swirling surface including a plurality of ribs; anda sifter having sides and a base, configured to be held within an upper portion of the cavity, the base of the sifter including a plurality of openings to permit access to the product.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the product swirling surface is built into the lid.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises an outer shell and a lid plate, the lid plate including the product swirling surface.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs form concentric circles, the concentric circles having an elevated region located between a first depressed region at a center region of the product swirling surface and a second depressed region at an outer edge of the product swirling surface.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs are disposed at the center region of the product swirling surface, and the plurality of ribs are parallel to one another and form a peak with an elevated region at the center region of the product swirling surface.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs extend radially outward from the center region of the product swirling surface toward the outer edge of the product swirling surface, the ribs forming a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the ribs.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs form concentric circles, the concentric circles having alternating peaks and valleys forming a wave pattern, located between the first depressed region at the center region of the product swirling surface and the second depressed region at the outer edge of the product swirling surface.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the sifter and the body have generally the same shape.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings extend to the sides of the sifter.

10. A cosmetic container comprising: a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, the open end extending into a cavity within the body for holding a product;a lid configured for coupling to the jar; anda sifter having sides and a base, configured to be held within an upper portion of the cavity, the base of the sifter including a plurality of openings to permit access to the product;wherein the sifter includes a product swirling surface, the product swirling surface including a plurality of ribs.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs extend radially outward from a center region of the product swirling surface toward an outer edge of the product swirling surface, the ribs forming a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the ribs.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs form concentric circles, the concentric circles having alternating peaks and valleys forming a wave pattern, located between a first depressed region at a center region of the product swirling surface and a second depressed region at an outer edge of the product swirling surface.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs form concentric circles, the concentric circles having an elevated region located between a first depressed region at a center region of the product swirling surface and a second depressed region at an outer edge of the product swirling surface.

14. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the jar and sifter are assembled together such that the product swirling surface of the sifter faces up.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the openings in the sifter are located solely in the center region of the product swirling surface.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein at least one opening in the sifter is placed between two of the ribs.

17. A cosmetic container comprising: a jar having a body with a closed end and an open end, the open end extending into a cavity within the body for holding a product; anda lid configured for coupling to the jar, the lid having a product swirling surface, the product swirling surface including a plurality of ribs.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 17, wherein the plurality of ribs form concentric circles, the concentric circles having an elevated region located between a first depressed region at a center region of the product swirling surface and a second depressed region at an outer edge of the product swirling surface.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 17, wherein the plurality of ribs are disposed at the center region of the product swirling surface, and the plurality of ribs are parallel to one another and form a peak with an elevated region at the center region of the product swirling surface.

20. The cosmetic container of claim 17, wherein the plurality of ribs extend radially outward from the center region of the product swirling surface toward the outer edge of the product swirling surface, the ribs forming a half-toroid surface interrupted by spaces between the ribs.