U.S. patent application number 09/917931 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-07 for cosmetic container with interchangeable attachments.
Invention is credited to Bengis, John Joseph.
Application Number | 20020014253 09/917931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22829019 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020014253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bengis, John Joseph |
February 7, 2002 |
Cosmetic container with interchangeable attachments
Abstract
A cosmetic container includes a lipstick compartment having a
distal end adapted to removably engage one of a set of
interchangeable attachments, such as a receptacle for a second
cosmetic and applicator, a cosmetic pencil sharpener, or a
receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble forming solution and an
appropriate bubble blowing device. An attachment mechanism is
provided at the distal end to engage/disengage a given attachment.
The attachment mechanism has an outer surface provided with splines
or the like for grippingly engaging an inner surface of the distal
end of the lipstick compartment to achieve a friction-fit
connection that resists undesirable rotational movement within the
container.
Inventors: |
Bengis, John Joseph; (White
Plains, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
22829019 |
Appl. No.: |
09/917931 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60221713 |
Jul 31, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20130101;
A45D 34/045 20130101; A63H 33/28 20130101; A45D 40/08 20130101;
A45D 40/18 20130101; A45D 34/02 20130101; A45D 34/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/297 |
International
Class: |
A45D 033/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-purpose container, comprising a compartment for housing
a first product, said compartment including a dispenser for
dispensing said first product and an open base, a cap having an
outer surface adapted to be releasably engaged in said open base,
and a receptacle for holding a second product, said receptacle
having an open neck adapted to releasably engage said cap.
2. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said cap
supports an applicator for removable insertion in said
receptacle.
3. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, further
comprising a wiper gasket adapted for insertion in said open neck
of said receptacle.
4. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
first product is a cosmetic.
5. A multi-purpose container according to claim 4, wherein said
cosmetic is lips tick.
6. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, further
comprising a cover for said compartment.
7. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
open base includes an interior surface having a plurality of ribs
projecting therefrom, and said outer surface of said cap includes a
plurality of corresponding splines for engaging said ribs to
releasably couple said cap to said compartment and resist
rotational movement of said cap within said base.
8. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
open base includes an interior surface having a preselected shape,
and said outer surface of said cap has a shape corresponding to
said preselected shape of said interior surface of said open base
for releasably coupling said cap to said compartment while
resisting rotational movement of said cap within said base.
9. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
second product is nail polish.
10. A multi-purpose container according to claim 9, wherein said
cap supports a brush for removable insertion in said
receptacle.
11. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
second product is perfume.
12. A multi-purpose container according to claim 9, further
comprising a roller applicator adapted to removably engage said
open neck of said receptacle and said cap.
13. A multi-purpose container according to claim 9, further
comprising an atomizer applicator adapted to removably engage said
open neck of said receptacle and said cap.
14. A multi-purpose container according to claim 1, wherein said
second product is an aqueous bubble forming solution.
15. A multi-purpose container according to claim 14, wherein said
cap supports a bubble blowing device for removable insertion in
said receptacle.
16. A multi-purpose container, comprising a compartment for housing
a first product, said compartment including a dispenser for
dispensing said first product and an open base, a cap having an
outer surface adapted to be releasably engaged in said open base, a
receptacle, said receptacle having an open neck adapted to
releasably engage said cap and an opposing end, a sharpener housed
within said receptacle, said opposing end of said receptacle
defining an opening for passing an implement for sharpening to said
sharpener.
17. A multi-purpose container according to claim 16, wherein said
implement is a cosmetic pencil.
18. A multi-purpose container according to claim 16, wherein said
first product is a cosmetic.
19. A multi-purpose cosmetic container, comprising a compartment
for housing a first cosmetic product, said compartment including a
dispenser for dispensing said first cosmetic product and an open
base, a cap having an outer surface, said open base including an
interior surface, said outer surface of said cap and said interior
surface of said base shaped to permit removable coupling of said
cap with said compartment while resisting rotational movement of
said cap within said base; a receptacle for holding a second
product, said receptacle having an open neck adapted to releasably
engage said cap, and a second product applicator supported on at
least one of said cap and said open neck.
20. A multi-purpose container according to claim 20, wherein said
first cosmetic product is lipstick.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/221,713 filed on Jul. 31, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally related to the field of
cosmetic containers, such as lipstick dispensers. In particular,
the present invention relates to a lipstick dispenser adapted to
accept a variety of interchangeable attachments, such as, for
example, a receptacle for a second cosmetic product, an appropriate
cosmetic applicator, a cosmetic pencil sharpener or a receptacle
for an aqueous bubble solution and bubble blowing device.
[0003] Conventionally, certain cosmetic products such as lipstick
are held alone in a metal or plastic tube provided with a mechanism
to raise or lower the lipstick out of one end of the tube, usually
for direct application. While it is generally known to provide a
lipstick dispenser in combination with a container or dispenser of
another product, the present invention has been developed to
improve over such prior art containers by providing a lipstick
dispenser that may mate with one of a variety of interchangeable
attachments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Generally, in accordance with the present invention, a
cosmetic container, preferably a lipstick dispenser, having a base
portion adapted to accept one of a set of various interchangeable
attachments is provided. The cosmetic container according to the
present invention uniquely meets the needs of cosmetic users by
permitting them to reduce the number of separate containers they
carry, while, at the same time, permitting a dynamic range of
choices as to the combinations of products they carry.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the inventive cosmetic container
is a lipstick dispenser arranged and constructed to removably
couple with a receptacle for holding an additional cosmetic
product, such as, for example, nail polish, and an appropriate
application device, such as, for example, a brush, to form a single
container having multiple cosmetic uses. In an alternative
embodiment, the lipstick dispenser is adapted to removably couple
with a cosmetic pencil sharpener. In further alternative
embodiments, the lipstick dispenser is adapted to removably engage
a perfume roll-on applicator or a perfume atomizer. In a still
further embodiment, the lipstick dispenser is adapted to removably
couple with a receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble forming
solution and an appropriate bubble blowing wand for entertaining
children of all ages.
[0006] Preferably, in all embodiments of the cosmetic container
according to the present invention, the interchangeable attachment
for combination with the lipstick dispenser includes an engagement
member having an outer surface provided with splines or the like
arranged and constructed to grippingly engage an inner surface of
an open end of the base of the lipstick dispenser to achieve a
friction-fit connection that resists undesirable rotational
movement.
[0007] In embodiments of the cosmetic container according to the
present invention which feature removable receptacles for a
separate cosmetic product or other material, the open end or neck
of each receptacle preferably includes a wiper with a seal or
gasket and is threaded to engage a corresponding threaded portion
on an end of the engagement member which also serves as a cap for
the receptacle. This arrangement allows for the removal of excess
cosmetic product as the applicator is drawn from the attached
receptacle for use, and provides a substantially leak-proof seal
while maintaining the often volatile internal contents of the
receptacle against exposure to the external environment when not in
use.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a cosmetic container with interchangeable attachments.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dual
purpose cosmetic container with enhanced features.
[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide an improved lipstick package with a secondary cosmetic
attachment.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
cosmetic package having a first cosmetic application and a
secondary device.
[0012] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in
part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the following
detailed specification.
[0013] The invention accordingly comprises the features of
construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of component
parts all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and
the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
had to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of
the cosmetic container according to the present invention depicted
in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3a is a top plan view of the open base of the lipstick
compartment of the container according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing a cylindrical interior configuration
having ribs.
[0018] FIG. 3b is a top plan view of the open base of the lipstick
compartment of an alternative embodiment of the container according
to the present invention showing a star-shaped interior
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 3c is a top plan view of the open base of the lipstick
compartment of an alternative embodiment of the container according
to the present invention showing another alternative interior
configuration.
[0020] FIG. 4a is an exploded view of a perfume receptacle and
roll-on applicator attachment for the cosmetic container according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4b is an exploded view of a perfume receptacle and
atomizer attachment for the cosmetic container according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic
container according to the present invention adapted to engage a
cosmetic pencil sharpener attachment.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic
container according to the present invention adapted to engage a
receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble solution and wand bubble
blowing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In the drawings where like numerals indicate like elements,
FIG. 1 shows a cosmetic container according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention which is generally designated
by reference numeral 100. Container 100 is preferably formed or
molded from a suitable plastic material or metal. Although
container 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a preferred substantially
cylindrical shape, it should be understood that the container is
not limited to this particular shape.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, container 100 includes a lipstick
compartment 102 which houses a seat 105 arranged and constructed to
engage one end of a lipstick 110. Preferably, an inner wall 115 of
seat 105 includes spaced apart protrusions or ribs (not shown) to
grippingly engage lipstick 110 and hold the lipstick against
rotational movement with respect to the seat.
[0026] Seat 105 includes a bottom portion preferably provided with
a projection, key or follower 120 extending therefrom. Follower 120
is arranged and constructed for reception within a helical channel
125 of an elevator tube 130 also disposed within container 100.
[0027] An inner tubular sleeve 135 is provided in telescoping
engagement with elevator tube 130. Sleeve 135 surrounds lipstick
110 and includes one or more vertical channels or keyways 140 to
form a stop system as described below. Follower 120 engages keyways
140 as well as helical channel 125.
[0028] Upon rotation of elevator tube 130 within compartment 102,
follower 120 rides along channel 125 and keyways 140 to direct seat
105 axially along tube 130 and sleeve 135 for extension of lipstick
110 for use. The length of keyways 140 in which follower 120 rides
determines the longitudinal displacement of lipstick 110.
[0029] A tubular sheath 145 is provided to receive compartment 102
to close lipstick compartment 100. Sheath 145 is preferably
transparent, but may also be tinted a variety of colors.
[0030] It should be understood that other arrangements for
dispensing the lipstick, including without the use of keyways, may
be utilized.
[0031] Compartment 102 is adapted to accommodate the insertion of
one of a set of interchangeable attachments. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a
preferred embodiment of the inventive container 100 wherein a
cosmetic receptacle 160 for holding a second cosmetic product is
provided for interchangeable engagement with the base 165 of the
lipstick compartment 102. Receptacle 160 may be formed from any
suitable material such as glass or plastic.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, receptacle 160 includes an open neck
170 to provide access to the contents of the receptacle and to
receive a cap 150 which also serves as a mechanical attachment to
removably couple the receptacle to base 165 of lipstick compartment
102 as described in greater detail hereinafter. The interior of cap
150 preferably supports an applicator such as a nail polish brush
175 projecting therefrom.
[0033] Desirably, cap 150 may be manipulated so that receptacle 160
may be removed from lipstick compartment 102 for attachment to a
different lipstick compartment or for separate independent use.
Accordingly, cap 150 is adapted to friction fit with compartment
102 to permit easy and consistent removal and replacement of
receptacle 160 when desired.
[0034] Preferably, the outer surface of cap 150 is provided with
splines 153 for grippingly engaging ribs 166 provided on the inner
annular surface 167 of the open end 169 of base 165 of lipstick
compartment 102. As shown in FIG. 3a, ribs 166 on inner surface 167
of base 165 resist undesirable rotational movement of cap 150
within the base.
[0035] FIG. 3a depicts a preferred arrangement for open end 169 of
base 165. The alternative configurations for open end 169 of base
165 depicted in FIGS. 3b and 3c, for example, may also be
utilized.
[0036] FIGS. 1 and 2 show lipstick compartment 102 removably
coupled to cap 150 provided with nail polish brush applicator 175
and nail polish receptacle 160 to make the nail polish and lipstick
compartment one unit with multiple uses. In the inventive container
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, neck 170 of receptacle 160 is also
preferably provided with an insertable wiper with a seal or gasket
155. It should be appreciated that this arrangement allows for the
removal of excess cosmetic product as brush 175 is drawn from
receptacle 160 when the inventive container is in use, and provides
a substantially leak-proof seal while maintaining the often
volatile internal contents of the attached receptacle against
exposure to the external environment when not in use.
[0037] When application of a cosmetic in the attachable receptacle
160 is desired, the user preferably grasps lipstick compartment 102
and the receptacle and detaches the receptacle from cap 150 which
remains coupled to the lipstick compartment. This provides the user
with separate access to applicator 175, if one is used in the
application, and to the receptacle contents. The user then applies
the cosmetic (in the case of nail polish, using brush 175 to apply
the polish). After use, receptacle 160 is screwed back into cap
150.
[0038] When application of the lipstick is desired, the user slides
off sheath 145 of lipstick compartment 102, extends and applies
lipstick 110, retracts the lipstick after use, and then slides the
sheath back into place on the lipstick compartment.
[0039] It should be understood that it may not be necessary or
desirable to provide an applicator in certain embodiments of the
inventive cosmetic container, for example, if the product contained
in receptacle 160 is a cream that is applied by hand such as sun
screen or the like.
[0040] In alternative embodiments of the inventive cosmetic
container 100 wherein receptacle 160 contains perfume, means for
dispensing the perfume are preferably provided as an attachment to
receptacle neck 170 and not supported by cap 150. FIG. 4a depicts a
perfume roll-on applicator attachment 180 for receptacle neck 170.
Roll-on applicator 180 threadably engages neck 170 and is
preferably provided with external threads for threadably engaging
cap 150. FIG. 4b depicts a perfume atomizer attachment 185 for
receptacle neck 170. Atomizer 185 threadably engages neck 170 and
is preferably provided with external threads for threadably
engaging cap 150.
[0041] It should be appreciated that the inventive lipstick
compartment is preferably longer and slightly heavier than that of
a conventional lipstick compartment. The sheath for the lipstick
compartment is also preferably longer and slightly heavier than a
standard applicator cover. The applicator for the receptacle
attachment will have the lipstick compartment as its applicator
base and the lipstick will have the receptacle as its applicator
base. The larger size of the lipstick compartment has the salutary
ergonomic benefit of affording the user greater stability in the
application of the cosmetic product because it is easier to
manipulate.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of container 100
according to the present invention wherein a cosmetic pencil
sharpener 200 is provided for interchangeable engagement with base
165 of lipstick compartment 102. It should be appreciated that the
combination of lipstick compartment 102 and pencil sharpener 200
forms an alternative convenient dual-purpose cosmetic package.
[0043] The use of lip liner pencils typically goes hand-in-hand
with regular lipstick use. These pencils require frequent
sharpening, so the partnership of lipstick dispenser and sharpener
is desirable. Sharpeners are also used for lipstick and other
cosmetic pencils such as eyeliner and eyebrow pencils. Present day
cosmetic sharpeners are provided as separate devices and are often
small and easy to misplace. The integration of the lipstick case
and sharpener offers users the salutary benefit of having what they
need, where they need it.
[0044] Sharpener attachment 200 may be formed from any suitable
material such as metal or plastic. Sharpener 200 is preferably
housed within a shavings capture container or barrel 210 formed
from glass, plastic or like material. Barrel 210 may be provided in
various suitable sizes. Base 215 of barrel 210 is provided with an
entrance hole 220 for inserting and sharpening cosmetic pencil 225
or lipstick 110. The opposing end of barrel 210 has an open neck
230 adapted to threadably engage cap 150 (not shown in FIG. 5) for
removably coupling the barrel and lipstick compartment 102 in a
manner such as described above in connection with the preferred
embodiment of the cosmetic container according to the present
invention (best depicted in FIG. 2).
[0045] As with the preferred embodiment discussed above and best
shown in FIG. 2, cap 150 preferably has an outer surface provided
with splines 153 or the like for grippingly engaging the inner
surface of open end 169 of base 165 of lipstick compartment 102.
The inner surface of base 165 of lipstick compartment 102
preferably includes ribs 166 to resist undesirable rotational
movement of cap 150 within the base.
[0046] Barrel 210 may be emptied by detaching it completely from
cap 150. Alternatively, a slide cover (not shown) may be provided
on sharpener barrel 210 to permit easy emptying of the contents of
the barrel. This is accomplished by sliding the cover into an open
position, and then sliding it back into a normally closed
position.
[0047] When cosmetic pencil or lipstick sharpening is required, the
user grasps lipstick compartment 102, places pencil 225 or lipstick
110 in sharpener 200 and turns the pencil or lipstick until desired
sharpness is attained. After multiple uses and when convenient,
shavings barrel 210 maybe emptied as described above.
[0048] When application of the lipstick is desired, the user will
encounter at least the same ease of use found in traditional
packaging. The user slides off sheath 145 of lipstick compartment
102, extends lipstick 110 for use, retracts the lipstick after use,
and replaces the sheath on the lipstick compartment.
[0049] Sharpener attachment 200 is preferably longer and slightly
heavier than a conventional stand-alone cosmetic sharpener. As
lipstick compartment 102 uses sharpener attachment 200 as its base,
the increased size of the sharpener attachment offers the salutary
ergonomic benefit of affording the user greater stability in the
application of the lipstick because it is easier to manipulate.
[0050] FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of the cosmetic container
100 according to the present invention wherein receptacle 160 holds
a bubble forming aqueous solution for interchangeable engagement
with base 165 of lipstick compartment 102. Receptacle 160 may be
formed from any suitable material such as glass or plastic.
[0051] Receptacle 160 includes open neck 170 to provide access to
the contents of the receptacle and to receive cap 150 which also
serves as a mechanical attachment to removably couple the
receptacle to base 102. The interior of cap 150 preferably supports
a bubble blowing implement 300 projecting therefrom.
[0052] A suitable conventional implement 300 for holding aqueous
bubble solutions is a wand as shown in FIG. 6. Wand 300 typically
includes a handle 310 with a loop 320 formed at the distal end for
holding the bubble solution. Opening 330 formed by loop 320
typically has ridges 340 to which the solution may bridge. Ridges
340 maintain the solution in a fixed position forming a thin film
across opening 330.
[0053] As with the preferred embodiment discussed above and best
shown in FIG. 2, cap 150 preferably has an outer surface provided
with splines 153 or the like for grippingly engaging the inner
surface of open end 169 of base 165 of lipstick compartment 102.
The inner surface of base 165 of lipstick compartment 102
preferably includes ribs 166 to resist undesirable rotational
movement of cap 150 within the base. Additionally, neck 170 of
receptacle 160 is preferably provided with an appropriate seal or
gasket 155 to prevent leaking of the solution when the bubble
blowing attachment is not in use.
[0054] In operation, the user grasps lipstick compartment 102 and
receptacle 160 and detaches the receptacle from cap 150 which
remains coupled to the lipstick compartment. This provides the user
with separate access to wand 300 and to the bubble solution in
receptacle 160. The user then may immerse wand 300 in the solution
so that a thin film of solution is formed across wand opening 330.
The user then directs air through opening 330 to fill the middle of
the film and force the aqueous solution free of ridges 340 and into
a bubble. After use, receptacle 160 is screwed back into cap
150.
[0055] When application of lipstick 110 is desired, the user slides
off sheath 145 of lipstick compartment 102, extends and applies the
lipstick, retracts the lipstick after use, and then slides the
sheath back into place on the lipstick compartment.
[0056] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above
constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and depicted in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0057] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
* * * * *