Patent Application
20080190444
The present disclosure relates generally to a compact-type container for storing and dispensing materials. The present disclosure more specifically relates to a compact for storing and dispensing a loose powder material (e.g., a cosmetic powder, etc.) or any other particulate matter.
It is generally known to provide a container for storing a loose powder. In the cosmetic industry, such known containers are often in the form of “jars” or “pots” that include a receptacle for supporting the loose powder and a cover coupled to an open end of the receptacle for sealing the receptacle. These containers often include a sifter having a pattern of openings through which the loose powder can be dispensed. The covers of such containers must be removed entirely from the receptacles before a user may access the contents of the containers (often by unscrewing the covers from the receptacles). Such known containers are typically large and clumsy thereby making them difficult or burdensome to store in relatively limited spaces (e.g., bags, purses, pockets, etc.). Further, such containers are often not designed to be carried by a user in bags, purses, pockets or the like since doing so may cause loose powder stored therein to inadvertently spread throughout the container thereby creating a mess when a user ultimately opens the container. Further still, requiring a cover to be removed entirely from the receptacle may increase the likelihood that a user may inadvertently spill loose powder while trying to open the container.
Thus there is a need for a conveniently sized container (such as a cosmetic compact) that can substantially seal off a loose powder contained therein beneath a sifter. There is also a need for a conveniently sized container suitable for storing a loose powder that does not include a cover that must be removed in order to access the loose powder. There is further a need for a container having a sifter to be capable of supporting an applicator used for applying a loose powder stored within the container. The is further a need for a container for storing a loose powder that can be moved to a latched or locked position. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a container capable of accomplishing any one or more of these or other needs.
One exemplary embodiment relates to a cosmetic compact for holding a loose powder. The cosmetic compact includes a base, a cover, a sifter and an applicator. The cover is coupled to the base and pivotable between an open position and a closed open position. The sifter is supported at the base to provide a chamber configured to receive the loose powder. The sifter has a platform defining at least one dispensing aperture. The applicator is compressed between the cover and the sifter when the cover is in the closed position. The compressed applicator is configured to restrict the loose powder from substantially exiting the chamber.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a cosmetic compact. The cosmetic compact includes a base, a sifter, a removable applicator and a cover. The sifter is coupled to the base and includes a flange and a platform. The flange is upwardly offset from the platform. The platform defines at least one dispensing aperture. The removable applicator is supported by the flange and sized to cover the at least one dispensing aperture. The cover is coupled to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The cover applies a force to the applicator in an axial direction when in the closed position to secure the applicator against the flange.
Another exemplary relates to a cosmetic compact. The cosmetic compact includes a base, a sifter, an applicator, a cover and a latch. The base contains a loose powder. The sifter is coupled to the base and has a platform positioned over the loose powder. The platform defines at least one dispensing aperture. The applicator is supported by the sifter and sized to cover the at least one dispensing aperture. The cover is coupled to the base and pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The latch is configured to releasably retain the cover in the closed position. The cover applies a force to the applicator when in the closed position to secure the applicator against the sifter.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, a container and components thereof are shown according to exemplary embodiments. The container, shown as a compact 100, generally comprises a first portion or cover (e.g., lid, top, etc.), shown as a closure 102, a second portion or base (e.g., bottom, pan, storage well, etc.), shown as a receptacle 108, a third portion or sifter (e.g., dispensing mechanism, shaker portion, etc.), shown as an insert 110, and a fourth portion or applicator (e.g., sponge, cloth, etc.), shown as a puff pad 124. The cover and the base cooperate to provide a conveniently sized storage system suitable for supporting the sifter and the applicator in combination with a loose powder (e.g., face powder, blush powder, etc.) or any other particulate matter or cosmetic substance.
The loose powder is stored within a cavity or chamber defined at least in part by at least one of the base and a first surface (e.g., a concealed, lower, inner surface, etc.) of the sifter. A second surface (e.g., an exposed, upper, outer surface, etc.) of the sifter is configured to support the applicator. The sifter also includes one or more dispensing openings or apertures to allow for the removal of loose powder from the chamber.
The container is configured to substantially contain the stowed loose powder within the chamber while the container is in a closed position (i.e., prevent loose powder from substantially passing through the one or more dispensing apertures in the sifter and from leaking into other areas of the container). Such a configuration allows the container to be carried by a user in a purse, bag, pocket or the like without having loose powder spread throughout the entire container. To facilitate the containment of loose powder within the chamber, a first surface (e.g., concealed, lower, inner surface, etc.) of the cover applies an axial force to a first side of the applicator as the cover is being closed relative to the base. This force is balanced by a normal force applied to an opposite side of the applicator by the sifter. The balancing of the forces secures the applicator over the one or more dispensing apertures of in the sifter (e.g., the applicator is compressed, etc.). As such, even if the) container is held upside down or at an angle, the applicator will restrict the movement of the loose powder trying to pass through the one or more dispensing apertures and enter into other parts of the container.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the second surface of the sifter (i.e., the surface that supports the applicator) is an elevated flange that is offset from a portion of the sifter that defines the one or more dispensing apertures. Such a configuration provides a slight gap between the applicator and the portion of the sifter defining the one or more dispensing apertures when the cover is in the closed position. Such a gap provides an area for a relatively small amount of the loose powder stored in the chamber to collect and become trapped adjacent to a second side of the applicator. This gap advantageously allows the loose powder to accumulate on a bottom surface of the applicator so that the applicator is ready to be used upon removal.
When a user desires to use (e.g., apply, etc.) the loose powder stowed within the container, the user selectively moves (e.g., pivots, etc.) the cover into an open position relative to the base. The user can then grasp the applicator which is likely to already have loose powder applied thereto from being adjacent to the one or more dispensing apertures, particularly if the sifter is configured to provide a gap between the applicator and the one or more dispensing apertures when the cover is in the closed position. The user may also move the applicator relative the sifter to collect additional loose powder on the applicator. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover remains secured to the base while in the open position. For example, the container may have a clam-like configuration wherein the cover is pivotally coupled to the base about a hinge. Such a configuration advantageously allows a user to use one hand to conveniently hold and support the container in an open position and a second hand to grasp the applicator.
Referring now to
Referring to
As detailed below, first projection 156 is configured to releasably engage a corresponding latching element on receptacle 108 to retain closure 102 in the closed position. According to the embodiment illustrated, first projection 156 is coupled to bottom surface 105 by being integrally formed with closure 102 as a single unitary body. According to an exemplary embodiment, closure 102 is a molded component formed with first projection 156 via a suitable molding process (e.g., injection molding, etc.). According to the various alternative embodiments, first projection 156 may be a separate component mounted to bottom surface 105. First projection 156 is further shown as having a tab or barb 158 (shown in
Also provided at bottom surface 105 of closure 102 is a mirror 106. Mirror 106 is configured to be exposed when closure 102 is in the open position and is provided to assist a user when applying the loose powder with puff pad 124. Mirror 106 can be coupled to bottom surface 105 using any known or otherwise suitable technique including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a friction fit, an interference fit, or a welding operation. According to the embodiment illustrated, a cylindrical projection, shown as a boss 116, is designed in size and shape to accept mirror 106 in a press-fit or snap-fit manner. As detailed below, mirror 106 and/or boss 116 constitute the surfaces of closure 102 that act directly on puff pad 124 when closure 102 is in the closed position to secure puff pad 124 in its desired position (e.g., over the one or more dispensing apertures, etc.). According to the various alternative embodiments, mirror 106 may be eliminated and bottom surface 105 or some other structure may be used to provide a force to puff pad 124 when closure 102 is in the closed position.
Referring again to
Receptacle 108 is shaped and sized to correspond to closure 102. According to the embodiment illustrated, receptacle 108 has an end wall 126 (e.g., platform, bottom, bottom surface, etc.) and a side wall 128 extending upward therefrom at an orientation that is generally perpendicular to the end wall 126. Side wall 128 is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an aperture 130 (e.g., cavity, receptacle, etc.) suitable for supporting particulate matter such as a cosmetic substance, foodstuff, cleaning soaps, or any other particulate material.
The size and shape of aperture 130 may vary depending on a number of design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, aperture 130 has a volume between approximately 1.5 cubic inches and approximately 8 cubic inches. According to various alternative embodiments, aperture 130 may have a volume greater than or less than the range provided. Limiting the volume of aperture 130 allows the overall size of compact 100 to be minimized, thereby allowing compact 100 to be conveniently carried or stowed in relatively size restricted areas (e.g., pockets, purses, backpacks, etc.) by the user.
Referring to
Receptacle 108 further includes a second latching element (e.g., locking structure, tab, etc.), shown as a second projection 134. Second projection 134 is shown as being coupled to an outer surface of side wall 128 in a cutout or notched area of side wall 128 that is configured to receive a third portion of a latch 122 which is detailed below. Second projection 134 is configured to releasably engage first projection 156. Similar to first projection 156, second projection 134 is integrally formed with receptacle 108 to provide a single one-piece unitary body. Second projection 134 also includes tab, shown as a second barb 136 in
Referring back to
Insert 110 is shown as being received by receptacle 108. In particular, insert 110 is shown as being situated on top of receptacle 108. Further still, insert 110 is shown as being supported by ledge 132 of receptacle 108 to at least partially define a chamber or cavity 160 (shown in
To assist a user when trying to remove puff pad 124 from recess 150, insert 110 further includes one or more notches or cutouts, shown as a first indentation 152 and a second indentation 154. First indentation 152 and second indentation 154 are of a size and shape to readily accommodate a user's fingers and provide a clearance for ease in removing puff pad 124 from recess 150. According to the embodiment illustrated, first indentation 152 and second indentation 154 are provided at opposite lateral sides of insert 110. According to the various alternative embodiments, any number of cuts or indentations may be provided, in any of a variety of positions, to assist a user in removing puff pad 124 from recess 150.
Referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment, platform 138 of insert 110 is a recessed or lowered relative to second flange 146. As stated above, platform 138 is the portion of insert 110 that defines the one or more dispensing apertures 140. Dispensing apertures 140 are of appropriate size, number, and pattern for dispensing a desired amount of the loose powder onto puff pad 124. According to the embodiment illustrated, platform 138 defines eighteen dispensing apertures 140, each having a generally circular cross section. According to the various exemplary embodiments, any number of dispensing apertures 140 may be provided, having any of a number of shapes and/or sizes. For example, dispensing apertures 140 may be provided as a single S-shaped aperture or a plurality of apertures of varying sizes.
By lowering platform 138 relative to second flange 146, a recess or gap 162 is created between platform 138 and puff pad 124 when closure 102 is in the closed position (see
According to the various alternative embodiments, platform 138 may be substantially aligned with second flange 146 to provide a relatively flat surface. The transition between platform 138 and second flange 146 may be substantially continuous or may be interrupted by one or more projections or recesses. In such embodiments, gap 162 would not be present when closure 102 is in the closed position. It should also be noted that insert 110, with platform 138 recessed relative to second flange 146, may also be suitable for use with containers or compacts wherein the cover is removed from the base upon opening (e.g., screw-on type covers, etc.).
Referring to
Referring to
The operation of compact 100 by a user is now discussed with reference to FIGURES. Compact 1100 remains in the closed position (shown in
The size and placement of puff pad 124 placed over dispensing apertures 140 provides a seal and prevents the loose powder from leaking from recess 160 into other areas of compact 100 when closure 102 is in the closed position. The location of mirror 106, mounted to closure 102, places mirror 106 at a height that allows pressure to be applied by mirror 106 onto puff pad 124 and holds puff pad 124 in position when compact 100 is in the closed position. Other than being allowed to enter gap 162, the loose powder remains in recess 160 until the next use. As such, the loose powder will not spill out all over the inside of compact 100 when being carried by the user.
When the user desires to access the contents of compact 100, the user actuates latch 122 (e.g., via the pressing of button 164, etc.) to release closure 102 from receptacle 108 and pivots closure 102 into the open position (shown in
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the compact as shown in the exemplary embodiment are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Further, the compact may be configured in a wide variety of shapes to accommodate varying design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compact has an overall height between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 2 inches. For such an embodiment, the compact may have an width (e.g., diameter, etc.) between approximately 2 inches and approximately 3 inches. Limiting the size of the compact to such dimensions allows the compact to be conveniently carried and/or stowed by the user. According to the various alternative embodiments, the compact may be configured into other sizes, as well as other well-known or otherwise suitable shapes having linear and/or nonlinear edges and surfaces. For example, the compact may be a generally rectangular or octagonal container. Further, for purposes of this disclosure the term “particulate matter” is used broadly to refer to any particulate substance (e.g., powder-like substances, granular substances, or the like, etc.) including cosmetic substances, food substances, cleaning soaps, medical substances, etc. According to various other exemplary embodiments, the compact may be configured to support a fluid.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary, embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
