REFILLABLE COMPACT

Abstract

A refillable compact includes a cover, a base and a platform having one or more pan wells. Each pan well is fillable with an active product. The cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, the cover being rotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close with the base. The platform is configured to removably slide into the base along rail slots located on each side of the base and the platform is kept in place by friction between the base and the platform. The platform is refillable or replaceable with a new platform by sliding out the platform from the base along the rail slots and inserting the platform refilled with the active product or the new platform into the base along the rail slots. The components of the refillable compact are made of environmentally friendly material to promote sustainability.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a compact, particularly to a refillable compact. More particularly to an environmentally friendly refillable compact.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although many modern cosmetic packaging can be refilled, they are not environmentally friendly. In contrast, all of the material of the refillable compact of the claim invention are recyclable and can be separated without a tool in an easy manner by the end consumer prior to disposal of the packaging. That is, the claimed refillable compact enables and promotes sustainability of the packaging to be environmentally friendly.

Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds on the desirability of providing a refillable compact that is light and slim, and made of environmentally friendly materials with replaceable platform.

It is known in the prior art, a rigid container with a cover, a base and a platform to make the assembly requires glue or magnet or any mechanical feature to satisfy a bounding function to keep the components all together.

In the claimed invention, the compact and platform are delivered separately to the filler to keep it simple and functional. The platform fits into the compact once filled and can stay until it needs to be refilled or interchanged with another platform to enable the user to use the same refillable compact with multiple platforms. The consumer can refill the compact, if needed, with a new platform purchased separately from the compact. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform can be pre-filled with active product(s).

The design of the claimed refillable compact is particularly slim for a make-up compact, compared to similar items on the market. Also, the claimed refillable compact is light weight to carry but carries the same amount of product as the similar items on the market.

To address these problems, the claimed invention is directed to be a refillable compact comprising a base cooperating with a cover and a platform to enclose one or more pan wells, wherein the repeatable and reversible engagement of the refilling means provides repeatable and reversible filling of said an wells through the cooperation of multiple empty compartments formed on said platform.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a refillable compact comprises a cover, a base and a platform comprising one or more pan wells. Each pan well is fillable with an active product. The cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, the cover being rotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close with the base. The platform is configured to removably slide into the base along rail slots located on each side of the base and the platform is kept in place by friction between the base and the platform. The platform is refillable or replaceable with a new platform by sliding out the platform from the base along the rail slots and inserting the platform refilled with the active product or the new platform into the base along the rail slots. The components of the refillable compact are made of environmentally friendly material to promote sustainability.

The design of this invention is ultra slim under the condition of the material used for the manufacturing and the size of the pan desired. The rigid packaging weight is relatively low compare to other similarly sized items made for the same usage. Preferably, the compact packaging, e.g., base and cover/lid, is made of metal or non-metallic alloy, such as aluminum. It is important to satisfy an objective of the claimed invention, using minimum amount of material to reach the lowest weight possible without compromising on the functionality.

The choice of material selected is targeted to allow the separation of the components of the claimed refillable compact and the recycling of all components at the end of the compact life. The material must be suitable to be folded, stamped and formed without requiring any glue or other adhesive means. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the selected material must have memory keep the formed shape permanently without requiring any glue or other adhesive means. Preferably, the lid and base are thin wall design and made of metal, such as aluminum which is three to four times lighter than plastic, and two times lighter than steel. The material must be rigid and resistant, have a glossy surface and impart a high-end look. Moreover, the material must be convenient and easy to decorate, such as by printing, debossing, embossed engraving, spraying, anodization and other comparable means. The stamping/forming process allows the claimed refillable compact to be manufactured using significantly less material, thereby resulting in a compact that is 30% to 100% lighter than similarly sized compact.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cover and base attached together is made of the same material, the material can be folded and shaped to provide the hinge and locking function to close the lid. The platform can be made of a different material as it is not permanently assembled. The claimed platform is refillable and slides in or pulls out depending on the user intention.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform is recyclable and is made of paper or recycled material, such as cardboard, to be environmentally friendly. Paper based platform made from wood fibers is natural and easily recyclable. Currently, there is no precedent packaging, particularly cosmetic packaging, able to associate a metal frame with a refillable paper platform refill.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the refillable compact is environmentally friendly (i.e., eco-friendly) because it complies with the 5R's:

• • 1) Rethink=the claimed refillable compact is a new concept design;
  • 2) Recycle=the claimed refillable compact uses recycled materials and can be recycled after the shelf life;
  • 3) Replace=the empty packaging can be used for a different purpose than a make-up compact, a box or cigarette sleeve;
  • 4) Reduce=light weight, the claimed refillable compact is 30% to 100% lighter than a regular compact of similar size carrying similar quantity of make-up; and
  • 5) Refill=the claimed paper platform is refillable and can be used multi-purposes, e.g., can carry eyeshadow, press powder, blush, bronzer, lip balm, lip color and the like. The end user/consumer can pick and choose the desired refill for a day and change it next day. Additionally, the consumer can use the same refillable compact with multiple platforms.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed descriptions, given by way of example, and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will be best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying figures:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a refillable compact in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of refillable compact in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the refillable compact in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the refillable compact with platform details in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the rail slot in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the refillable compact in a closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning to FIG. 1, a refillable compact 10 of the claimed invention comprises a cover 1 cooperating with a base 3 and a platform 2 to enclose one or several pan well(s) 211. The platform 2 is the refillable unit which can receive any kind of pan well with active product. The pan well 211 is filled with powder for make up or any possible application.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the compact cover or lid 1 and base 3 are made of the same material, preferably, any kind of metal or non-metallic alloy, such as aluminum. Preferably, the housing (the lid/cover 1 and base 3) of the refillable compact is plastic free.

Turning to FIG. 2, the cover 1 and base 3 are linked by coaxial hinges 32a, 32b,13. The base 3 and cover 1 do not need to be separated and can be recycled together. The cover 3 rotates around the hinges 32a, 32b, 13 to close and open with the base 3. In a closed position, as shown in FIG. 3, the cover snap 100 closes around the front base 321 by a temporary deformation. It is appreciated that the cover snap 100 uses the elasticity and memory of the cover material.

The lid or cover 1 is a flat and wide, preferably, made of metal or non-metallic alloy. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the lid 1 is a polished part and preferably made of metal such as aluminum. The material must be suitable to be folded, stamped and formed without requiring any glue or other adhesive means. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the selected material must have memory to keep the formed shape permanently without requiring any glue or other adhesive means. Preferably, the lid 1 is made of a high gloss polished material that advantageously provides a necessary reflection so the lid 1 can be used as a built-in mirror 14 by the consumer/end user. This eliminates the need for mirror in the refillable compact 10, and totally eliminating the need for bonding, such as glue or adhesive. In typical compacts, the mirror is bonded onto the inner surface of the lid, thereby adding weight and requiring adhesives, such as glue, tape and the like. That is, the claimed refillable compact is glue and adhesive free. Further, this result in the claimed refillable compact being comprised of eco-friendly materials, promoting sustainability.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform 2 is delivered as a separate element to the contract filler. As exemplary shown in FIG. 4, the platform 2 is a flat component designed to slide into the base slot 31 along the rail slots 31A, 31B. In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform 2 is made of paper, such as cardboard. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform 2 is of a flat geometry to maintain an efficient and simple filling process, i.e., filling the platform 2 with an active product, such as compact powder. As exemplary shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the geometry and tolerances of the platform edges 21 slide into two rails of the base 31A, 31B. The thickness of the platform 2 and the base 3 by friction work together to keep the platform 2 in place. As exemplary shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the two debossed logs 311, 312, debossed on each rail slot 31A, 31B of the base 3, are the main components in contact with the top edge of the platform 2, thereby preventing the platform 2 from moving by exerting pressure thereon by friction.

It is appreciated that the paper platform 2 does not need to be durable, as it is a refill, a consumable part of the package or compact 10. The platform 2 is a vessel by which the active product is carried, in direct contact or with an interface called a “pan” in the case of pressed powder or hot poured make-up formulas. Typical platforms are usually made of plastic or metallic materials. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform is a paper platform, which is significantly cheaper in terms of material cost than plastic and metal, and significantly cheaper to manufacture. There is no tooling investment or very limited tooling investment as compared to plastic molded part. The collection and recycling process for paper product is well known and simple. Moreover, the claimed paper platform is significantly lighter than conventional plastic or metallic platform, and ability to decorate the claimed paper platform is unlimited. Furthermore, the source of the material used in the claimed platform is preferably forest stewardship certified and controlled. The carbon footprint of the metal/paper material combination of the claimed refillable compact impacts the environment much less than the conventional compact, thereby contributing to the on-going efforts to protect the environment.

Once the consumer decides to replace or refill the platform 2, as exemplary shown in FIG. 2, she completely opens the cover 1 at 180 degrees, grabs the handle 213 and pulls out the platform 2 from the base 3 to separate from the rail slots 31A, 31B. The platform 2 can be completely removed from the refillable compact 10 and replaced with another platform 2. The existing platform 2 slides out the base 3 along the rail slots 31A, 31B and a new platform 2 is installed by sliding it along the rail slots 31A, 31B. That is, the consumer can replace the existing platform 2 with another platform 2 after the active product in the existing platform 2 is consumed or to change platform 2 with different active product, e.g., a different shade for compact powder.

In contrast, the prior art compacts use permanent assembly elements, such as, permanent mechanical features, glue or welding, which cannot be easily separated and require breakage of the platform to separate the components. These claimed elements/features increase the reliability of the claimed refillable compact to provide a longer life and endless usage.

As exemplary shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the claimed platform 2 slides into the compact guided sideways by the rail slots 31A, 31B in the base 3 and the sides of the platform 21A, 21B and a stopper 214 on the platform 2, exemplary shown in FIG. 5, meeting the front of the base 322.

Regardless of the size of the platform 2 and the number of pan wells 211, it is appreciated that the top surface of the platform 2 is open and accessible to the end user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the refillable compact 10 is made of or comprised of up to 100% recycled, recyclable or eco-friendly materials.

Claims

1. A refillable compact comprising a cover, a base and a platform comprising one or more pan wells, each pan well is fillable with an active product, the cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, the cover being rotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close with the base, the platform is configured to removably slide into the base along rail slots located on each side of the base and the platform is kept in place by friction between the base and the platform; wherein the platform is refillable or replaceable with a new platform by sliding out the platform from the base along the rail slots and inserting the platform refilled with the active product or the new platform into the base along the rail slots; and wherein components of the refillable compact are made of environmentally friendly material to promote sustainability.

2. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a handle to facilitate removable of the platform from the base along the rail slots.

3. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein the platform is a paper platform.

4. The refillable compact of claim 4, wherein the platform is made of cardboard.

5. The refillable compact of claim 1 is free of adhesive and glue.

6. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a snap to close around a front of the base by a temporary deformation in a closed position.

7. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the cover is polished to provide reflection so the cover can be used as a built-in mirror, thereby eliminating the need for a separate mirror mounted on the inner surface of the cover.

8. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein the base and the cover are made of a material that can be folded, stamped and formed without requiring any adhesive.

9. The refillable compact of claim 8, wherein the material of the base and the cover has memory to keep a formed shape permanently.

10. The refillable compact of claim 8, wherein the base and cover are made of a metal or non-metallic alloy.

11. The refillable compact of claim 10, wherein the base and cover are made of a same material.

12. The refillable compact of claim 11, wherein the base and cover are made of aluminum to provide a lightweight compact.

13. The refillable compact of claim 1, the components are made of recyclable materials, recycled materials or eco-friendly materials.

14. The refillable compact of claim 13, wherein the components are recyclable, the base and cover can be recycled together without being separated.

15. The refillable compact of claim 1, further comprising a log debossed on top of each rail slot and in contact with a top edge of the platform to prevent the platform from moving by exerting a pressure thereon by friction.

16. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein the material of the base and the cover is free of plastic.