MAKEUP PALETTE WITH REMOVABLE PANS

Abstract

A makeup palette includes at least one removable makeup pan disposed within a recess formed in a makeup palette case. The makeup palette case has an ejection feature configured to separate the makeup pan from the makeup palette case. A makeup composition is disposed within the makeup pan. The makeup pan includes a first material, and the makeup palette case includes a second material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cosmetic packaging. In an embodiment, the packaging includes a compact system in which one or more makeup pans are easily removed to facility recycling and/or reuse.

SUMMARY

Conservation and recycling of various products has become increasingly desirable for many consumers for various reasons, including a general concern for the environment and in some cases, government regulations. For example, metals, plastics, papers, and cardboards are all widely recycled in today's market. Further, in some cases, packaging components can be re-filled and/or reused. Therefore, there is a desire among many consumers and manufacturers to minimize waste and to recycle and/or reuse, when possible, such things as personal product packaging (e.g., soap dispensers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, etc.) or components thereof.

In the cosmetic industry, makeup palettes provide consumers with a variety of different shades of makeup in one convenient package. Such packaging, and in particular compact systems, can hold from one to a plurality of “pans” or receptacles that each contain a cosmetic formula, i.e., “makeup.” These pans are typically made of a different material from the full package (such as steel or plastic), which creates a need to separate these different materials for recycling or replacement after the makeup is depleted.

The present disclosure relates to a makeup palette, comprising at least one removable makeup pan disposed within a recess formed in a makeup palette case. The makeup palette case includes an ejection feature configured to separate the makeup pan from the makeup palette case and a makeup composition disposed within the makeup pan. The makeup pan includes a first material, and the makeup palette case includes a second material.

In an embodiment, the ejection feature includes at least one fulcrum disposed within the recess and defining an axis, wherein a twisting force applied to the makeup palette case rotates the makeup pan relative to the makeup palette case about the axis.

In an embodiment, the ejection feature further includes an engagement surface disposed within the recess, wherein the engagement surface engages the makeup pan to rotate the pan about the axis when the twisting force is applied.

In an embodiment, the recess includes one or more retention features engaging the pan in an interference fit to retain the pan within the makeup palette case.

In an embodiment, the ejection feature includes at least one perforation defining a detachable strip.

In an embodiment, the detachable strip forms a part of the recess, detachment of the strip ejecting the pan from the recess.

In an embodiment, the detachable strip includes a tab at one end.

In an embodiment, the ejection feature includes at least one separately formed strip attached to the makeup palette case and extending through the recess to be positioned under the pan when the pan is disposed within the recess.

In an embodiment, the strip is co-molded with the makeup palette case.

In an embodiment, the strip is attached to the makeup palette case with an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the makeup palette case is disposed within a housing, the ejection feature including an aperture formed through the makeup palette case in the recess, wherein a first side of the aperture is covered by the pan, and a second side of the aperture is covered by the housing.

In an embodiment, the aperture is sized and configured for a user to extend a finger or implement through the aperture to eject the pan when the makeup palette case is removed from the housing.

In an embodiment, the makeup palette case is formed from at least one of the group consisting of paper, pulp, fiber, and cellulose.

In an embodiment, the pan is formed from a metal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top isometric view of an embodiment of a makeup palette according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the makeup palette is in an open state;

FIG. 2 shows a partial isometric view of the makeup palette as indicated in FIG. 1 with a makeup pan removed;

FIG. 3 shows a partial top plan view of the makeup palette of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 1 with a user ejecting pans from the makeup palette;

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of a makeup palette according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the makeup palette is in an open state;

FIG. 6 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 5 with an ejection feature removing pans from the makeup palette;

FIG. 7 shows a top isometric view of another embodiment of a makeup palette according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the makeup palette is in an open state;

FIG. 8 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette shown in FIG. 7, wherein the makeup palette is in an open state and pans are disposed with recesses in the makeup palette;

FIG. 9 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 8 with an ejection feature removing pans from the makeup palette;

FIG. 10 shows a top isometric view of another embodiment of a makeup palette according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the makeup palette is in an open state; and

FIG. 11 shows a top isometric view of the makeup palette of FIG. 10 with an ejection feature removing pans from the makeup palette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 show an illustration of an embodiment of a makeup palette 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the makeup palette 100 includes a makeup palette case 110 (alternatively referred to simply as “a case”) that contains makeup 152, such as a pressed powder cake used for blush, eye shadow, and the like. In an embodiment, the makeup 152 is disposed within a removable pan 150 that enables the user to easily remove the pan 150 from the case 150 so that upon depletion of the makeup, the case 110 and the pans 150, which are made of different materials, are easily separated for recycling. A plurality of pans 150, each with a different formulation, can be made available to the user such that the user has a selection of different formulations from which to choose. In an embodiment, the formulation can include pressed powder cakes; however, in other embodiments, the formulation can include salves, gels, ointments, creams, lotions, and the like. In an embodiment, the case 110 also contains an applicator (not shown) for applying the makeup.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the illustrated pans 150 have a generally rectangular perimeter and a depth that cooperate to define a cavity to hold makeup 152. In some embodiments, the perimeter has a shape that is generally square, round, oval, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, all of the pans 150 have the same shape and are interchangeable. In some embodiments, some or all of the pans 150 have different shapes. In some embodiments, one or more of the pans 150 are formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal, a plastic, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the pans 150 are formed from aluminum, steel, or alloys thereof.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the case 110 includes a cover 112 rotatably coupled to a base 116 by an integral hinge 114. The cover 112 is rotatable about the hinge to move between an open state (shown in FIG. 1) and a closed state (not shown), in which the cover 112 engages the base 116 to define an interior portion in which the pans 150 filled with makeup 152 are disposed.

In an embodiment, the case 110 is formed from one or more sustainable materials, such as paper, pulp, fiber, cellulose, and the like. In an embodiment, the case 110 is formed from a virgin polymer, a post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer, or any other sustainable material or materials with suitable properties In an embodiment, the case 110 is thermoformed, injection molded, stamped, additively manufactured, or manufactured using any suitable manufacturing technique or combination of techniques. In an embodiment, the case 110 includes woven or non-woven portions. In an embodiment, the case 110 is an insert disposed within housing formed from metal, polymers, or any other suitable material or combination of materials that provides additional rigidity, durability, and/or aesthetics.

In an embodiment, the cover 112 engages the base 116 with an interference fit to maintain the case 110 in a closed state until opened by a user. In an embodiment, the case 110 or an outer shell in which the case 110 is disposed includes one or more elastic locking features, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable fastening systems in addition to or in lieu of the interference fit to maintain the case 110 in a closed state until a user opens the case.

Referring not to FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more recesses 120 are formed in a top surface 118 of the base 116. In an embodiment, one or more additional recesses 154 are formed in the base 116 to provide storage for an applicator (not shown).

Each recess 120 is sized and configured to receive a pan 150 filled with makeup 150. In an embodiment, an upper wall 122 is sized and configured to conform to the outer surface of a pan 130 to be received therein. One or more protrusions 124 are formed on and extend inwardly from the upper wall 122. When a pan 130 is inserted into the recess 120, the protrusions engage the pan and deform in an interference fit to act as a retention feature that retains the pan 130 within the recess 120 until a user removes the pan. In an embodiment, the protrusion or protrusions 124 are integrally formed with the case. It will be appreciated that the number, location, and shape of the protrusions 124 can vary, and such variations should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

A surface extends inwardly from the upper wall 122 to define a shelf 126 that is parallel to the top surface 118 of the base 116. A pair of fulcrums 128 is positioned on the shelf, each fulcrum being positioned on the shelf opposite the other fulcrum. The fulcrums cooperate to define a common axis 160 that extends across the recess 120 below the top surface 118 of the base 116. In an embodiment, each fulcrum 128 has a triangular cross-section. In an embodiment, each fulcrum as cross-section that is arcuate, square, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment, the number and location of the fulcrum 128 or fulcrums can vary according to the shape of the recess 120 and corresponding pans 130.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an engagement surface 132 is disposed above the shelf 126 and below the top surface 118 of the base at each end of the recess 120 between the fulcrums 128. In an embodiment, a pan 150 is at least partially supported by the support surfaces 132 and or the fulcrums 128 when disposed within the recess 120. In an embodiment, size, shape, configuration, and number of engagement surfaces 132 varies according to size and shape of the recess 120 and corresponding pan 150.

In an embodiment, an inner surface of the shelf 126 is delimited by a lower wall 134 that is offset inwardly from the upper wall 122. A bottom surface 136 extends across the bottom of the lower wall 134 to define a bottom of the recess 120. In an embodiment, the shelf 126 defines the bottom of the recess 120, i.e., the recess does not include a lower wall 134, and the shelf extends across the entire recess to act as the bottom surface of the recess.

As shown in FIG. 1, during the life of the palette 100, pans 150 filled with makeup 152 are disposed within the recesses 120 of the case 110. When a user has used all of the makeup or wants to dispose of the palette 100 for any other reason, embodiments of the described palette enable a user to easily remove the pans 150 from the case. By providing a configuration that enables the palette 100 to be easily and intuitively broken down into its individual and dissimilar components, a user is able to more easily prepare component parts for reuse and/or recycling.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in order to separate the pans 150 from the case 110, a user holds the case 110 at opposite ends and imparts a twisting motion on the case, i.e., the use rotates one end of the case in one direction, and the other end of the case in the opposite direction. As the case 110 deflects in response to the twisting motion, one of the engagement surfaces 132 in each recess 120 engages the corresponding pan 150. The pan 150 also engages the fulcrums 128 of the recess 120 so that further movement of the engagement surface 132 by the twisting motion rotates the pan 150 about the fulcrums 128 and, more specifically, the axis 130 until the pan is ejected from the recess 12. With the pans 150 ejected from the case 100, a user can easily and efficiently recycle the various dissimilar component materials as appropriate for each material. Thus, the fulcrum(s) 128 and engagement surface(s) 132 cooperate to define an ejection feature 180.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a palette 200 similar to the palette 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, except that the palette 200 is configured to eject pans 250 from the case 210 using an integrally formed strap. For the sake of brevity, similar features and characteristics will not be described again with the understanding that features of the palette 200 identified by reference number 2XX correspond to similar features of palette 100 identified with reference number 1XX unless otherwise noted. For example, cover 212 and pan 250 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 correspond to cover 112 and pan 150, respectively, shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless otherwise noted.

In an embodiment, an ejection feature 280 includes one or more perforations 262 are formed in the base 216 of the case 210 to define at least a portion of an integral strip 260. In an embodiment, the perforations 262 extend along the upper surface of the base 216 and through the recesses 210 so that the strip 260 is positioned below the pans 250 when the pans are disposed in the recesses 210. In an embodiment, a tab 264 is formed at one or both ends of the strip 260 to enable a user to more easily grab an end of the strip.

To separate the pans 250 from the case 210, a user grabs the tab 264 and pulls upward, away from the case 210. As the user pulls on the tab 264, the perforations 262 tear, and the strip 260 separates from the base 216. As the portions of the strip 260 formed in the recesses 220 separate and pull away from the base 216, the strip 260 ejects the each pan 250 from the corresponding recess 220, thereby separating the pans 250 from the base 216.

In an embodiment, the case 210 is molded, and the perforations 262 are molded into the case. In an embodiment, the case 210 is molded, and the perforations 262 are formed in the case after the molding process. In an embodiment, the perforations 262 are parallel to define an elongate strip 260. In an embodiment, the strip 260 has any suitable shape and is formed in any suitable manner to enable a user to detach the strip 260 from the case 210, thereby ejecting the pans 250 from the case 210.

FIGS. 7-9 show an embodiment of a palette 300 similar to the palette 200 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, except that the palette 300 includes an ejection feature 380 configured to eject pans 350 from the case 310 using a strap 360 that is not integral to the case. For the sake of brevity, similar features and characteristics will not be described again with the understanding that features of the palette 300 identified by reference number 3XX correspond to similar features of palette 200 identified with reference number 2XX unless otherwise noted. For example, cover 312 and pan 350 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 correspond to cover 212 and pan 250, respectively, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 unless otherwise noted.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the strip 360 is a separately formed component attached to the base 316. In an embodiment, the strip 360 is manufactured from plastic, metal (foil), fabric, fibrous, or other natural, additively manufactured, recycled, or conventional materials and adhesives. In an embodiment, the strip is co-molded with the base 316. In an embodiment, the strip 360 is attached to the base 316 with an adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesive is a low-tack adhesive.

To separate the pans 350 from the case 310, a user grabs an end of the strip 360, as shown in FIG. 8, and pulls upward, away from the case 310. As the user pulls on an end of the strip 260, the strip peels away from the base 216. As the portions of the strip 360 disposed in the recesses 320 separate and pull away from the base 316, the strip 360 ejects the each pan 350 from the corresponding recess 320, thereby separating the pans 350 from the base 316, as shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment of a palette 400 similar to the palette 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, except that the palette 400 includes an ejection feature 480 configured to eject pans 450 from the case 410 by a user pushing on the bottoms of the pans 450 through the base 416. For the sake of brevity, similar features and characteristics will not be described again with the understanding that features of the palette 400 identified by reference number 4XX correspond to similar features of palette 100 identified with reference number 1XX unless otherwise noted. For example, cover 412 and pan 450 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 correspond to cover 112 and pan 150, respectively, shown in FIGS. 1-4, unless otherwise noted.

In an embodiment, the case 410 is mounted within a housing 470. As best shown, in FIG. 11, ejection feature 480 includes a plurality of recesses 420 formed in the case 410, wherein each recess 420 is sized and configured to receive and retain therein a pan 450 containing makeup 452. Each recess 420 has an aperture 472 extending through a bottom surface 446 of the recess 420.

When the case 410 is mounted within the housing 470 and pans 450 are mounted within each recess 420, the apertures 472 are positioned between and covered by the housing and the pans. If a user wishes to separate one or more pans 450 from the base 416, the case 410 is removed from the housing 470, thereby exposing the bottom of the pans 450 through the apertures 472. The user then extends a finger or an implement through the aperture 472 and pushes the pan 450 to eject the pan from the case 410.

Disclosed embodiments of a makeup palette provide a sustainable, cost-effective product that can be easily broken down into its constituent parts for recycling, reusing, or refilling. By providing the consumer with ejection features to remove the pans and/or to separate dissimilar components, the disclosed embodiment provide a simple and intuitive way to separate components for recycling and/or re-use.

The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

1. A makeup palette, comprising: at least one removable makeup pan disposed within a recess formed in a makeup palette case, the makeup palette case including an ejection feature configured to separate the makeup pan from the makeup palette case; anda makeup composition disposed within the makeup pan,wherein the makeup pan includes a first material, and the makeup palette case includes a second material.

2. The makeup palette of claim 1, wherein the ejection feature includes at least one fulcrum disposed within the recess and defining an axis, wherein a twisting force applied to the makeup palette case rotates the makeup pan relative to the makeup palette case about the axis.

3. The makeup palette of claim 2, wherein the ejection feature further includes an engagement surface disposed within the recess, and the engagement surface engages the makeup pan to rotate the pan about the axis when the twisting force is applied.

4. The makeup palette of claim 3, wherein the recess includes one or more retention features engaging the pan in an interference fit to retain the pan within the makeup palette case.

5. The makeup palette of claim 1, wherein the ejection feature includes at least one perforation defining a detachable strip.

6. The makeup palette of claim 5, wherein the detachable strip forms a part of the recess, detachment of the detachable strip ejecting the pan from the recess.

7. The makeup palette of claim 6, wherein the detachable strip includes a tab at one end.

8. The makeup palette of claim 1, wherein the ejection feature includes at least one separately formed strip attached to the makeup palette case and extending through the recess to be positioned under the pan when the pan is disposed within the recess.

9. The makeup palette of claim 8, wherein the strip is co-molded with the makeup palette case.

10. The makeup palette of claim 8, wherein the strip is attached to the makeup palette case with an adhesive.

11. The makeup palette of claim 1, wherein the makeup palette case is disposed within a housing, the ejection feature including an aperture formed through the makeup palette case in the recess, wherein a first side of the aperture is covered by the pan, and a second side of the aperture is covered by the housing.

12. The makeup palette of claim 11, wherein the aperture is sized and configured for a user to extend a finger or implement through the aperture to eject the pan when the makeup palette case is removed from the housing.

13. The makeup palette of claim 1, wherein the makeup palette case is formed from at least one of the group consisting of paper, pulp, fiber, and cellulose.

14. The makeup palette of claim 13, wherein the pan is formed from a metal.