U.S. patent application number 09/902092 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for foam core cosmetic case.
Invention is credited to De Laforcade, Vincent.
Application Number | 20030010350 09/902092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25415295 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030010350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
De Laforcade, Vincent |
January 16, 2003 |
Foam core cosmetic case
Abstract
A cosmetic product may include a base formed at least partially
of foam and a cover also formed at least partially of foam. A hinge
may connect the base and the cover, and the hinge may also be
formed of foam. At least one recess may be formed in the base, the
recess for surrounding and containing a cosmetic composition.
Portions of the foam may be covered with a fabric, facsimile of
fabric, animal skin, or imitation animal skin.
Inventors: |
De Laforcade, Vincent;
(Rambouillet, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT &
DUNNER LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
25415295 |
Appl. No.: |
09/902092 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/294 ;
132/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20130101;
A45D 40/222 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/294 ;
132/304 |
International
Class: |
A45D 033/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cosmetic product comprising: a foam core; and at least one
recess formed in the foam core, the at least one recess for
surrounding and containing a cosmetic composition.
2. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic
composition includes a cosmetic substance contained within a
tray.
3. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic
composition includes a cosmetic substance deposited directly in the
at least one recess.
4. A cosmetic product, comprising: a base formed at least partially
of foam; a cover formed at least partially of foam; a hinge
connecting the base and the cover; and at least one recess formed
in the base, the recess for surrounding and containing a cosmetic
composition.
5. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further comprising a cosmetic
composition contained in the at least one recess, the cosmetic
composition including a cosmetic substance contained within a tray,
such that edges of the at least one recess contact edges of the
tray.
6. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further comprising a cosmetic
composition contained in the at least one recess, the cosmetic
composition including a cosmetic substance deposited directly in
the at least one recess.
7. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the hinge is formed at
least partially of foam.
8. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of
one of the base and the cover is covered with a material being
chosen fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation
animal skin.
9. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the material is
Lycra.
10. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further comprising a mirror
and a recess in the cover containing and surrounding edges of the
mirror.
11. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further comprising a recess in
the base for removably holding a cosmetic applicator.
12. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the base and the cover
each have a portion of a fastener located thereon, the fastener for
selectively securing the cover to the base.
13. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further including a snap
having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion
being partially embedded within the cover, and the second portion
being partially embedded within the base.
14. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the hinge is
integrally formed with the base and the cover.
15. The cosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the hinge is
constructed of a foam core covered at least partially by
fabric.
17. A cosmetic product, comprising: a base formed at least
partially of foam; a cover formed at least partially of foam; a
hinge connecting the base and the cover; a material covering at
least a portion of one of the base and the cover, the material
being chosen from fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and
imitation animal skin; a plurality of recess in at least one of the
base and the cover; a mirror located in a first of the plurality of
recesses, wherein foam edges of the first recess surround and
contain the mirror; a cosmetic composition contained in a second of
the plurality of recesses, wherein foam edges of the second recess
surround and contain the cosmetic composition; and a fastener for
selectively securing the cover in a closed position.
18. The cosmetic product of claim 17, wherein the cosmetic
composition includes a cosmetic substance for application to an
external portion of a body and a tray for holding the cosmetic
material, and wherein the edges of the second recess surround and
contain the tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to methods, combinations, apparatuses,
and systems for establishing a marketing link between multiple
related and unrelated products. In one example, the invention may
be used to promote the sale of a cosmetic product through the sale
of a non-cosmetic product (e.g., clothing), or vice versa.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Although the invention, in its broadest sense, is not
limited to cosmetics and clothing, this patent uses the
cosmetics-clothing example for purposes of conveying to the reader
some of the principles of the invention.
[0005] Cosmetics and clothing are typically not sold together. In a
department store, the points of sale for perfumes, mascaras,
lipsticks, powders, and other cosmetics products often occur in a
cosmetics department, while the points of sale for women's
clothing, for example, are often in a women's clothing department.
Stand-alone stores specializing in clothing sales typically do not
have a cosmetics department, while stand alone cosmetic stores
typically do not sell fashion clothing. As a result, cosmetics and
clothing are not traditionally marketed together. Thus, even for
companies that manufacture clothing and cosmetic lines, the
realities of the retail distribution chain can make it difficult to
cross-market products.
SUMMARY OF A FEW ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the invention may involve a cosmetic product
and a non-cosmetic product. Both may have a visible portion chosen
from fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation animal
skin, such that they have appearances resembling each other. At
least one of the products is preferably sold.
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a notification is
provided to consumers to advise them of an existence of a matching
product. The cosmetic product can be any cosmetic product (e.g.,
makeup product or care product), and the non-cosmetic product can
be virtually any product (e.g., clothing). The cosmetic and
non-cosmetic product can be distributed under differing brand
name(s) or trademarks, or may be distributed under the same name(s)
or mark(s).
[0008] According to one aspect, a marketing link may be established
between the two products. In one sense it may be the notification
mentioned above; in another sense, it may be that the aesthetic
trademarks of the products are sufficiently similar that an
ordinary or educated consumer would associate them with one
another. The marketing link may be a label, sign, advertisement or
provisional display associated with one or more of the products.
Each product may be supplied by related or unrelated parties, and
where appropriate a written or oral agreement may exist between the
parties. The marketing link might also involve a promotional
give-away, coupon, or internet campaign.
[0009] As described hereafter, other aspects of the invention
exist, for example, in details of exemplary cosmetic and
non-cosmetic product constructs, as well as the details of the
cross-marketing schemes described. Thus, the summary of a few
aspects of the invention is not to be interpreted as defining the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a first cosmetic case in
accordance with an embodiment to the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a second embodiment of a
cosmetic case;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the first cosmetic case of FIG.
1, with an open cover;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the second cosmetic case of
FIG. 2, with an opened cover;
[0014] FIG. 5A is a side view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5B is cross-sectional view of the cosmetic case of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 6A is a side view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 6B is cross-sectional view of the cosmetic case of FIG.
2;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate various examples of clothing and
cosmetic products sharing similar aesthetic properties in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate other examples of cosmetic and
clothing products sharing similar aesthetic features in accordance
with the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 9-15 illustrate various additional examples of
products sharing similar aesthetic features in accordance with the
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate cosmetic product manufacturing
process in accordance with the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic example of a screen display
associated with an electronic network, wherein the screen display
is arranged to convey information relating to customizing the
appearance of a cosmetic product.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0023] One exemplary method of the invention includes making
available a cosmetic product defining at least one internal region
configured to surround and contain at least one cosmetic
composition. In accordance with this embodiment, the cosmetic
product may include a container for containing a cosmetic
composition (e.g., a makeup or care product) chosen from perfumes,
colognes, lipsticks, mascaras, lip-glosses, blushes, rouges, eye
liners, foundations, powders, powder cakes, nail varnishes, eye
shadows, and concealers, for example. The container may be made and
shaped in conventional and unconventional ways, since, in its
broadest sense, the invention is not limited to any particular
container construction. Thus, by way of example only, compact cases
100 and 140 are respectfully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 3
and 4 illustrate each compact case 100 and 140 with respective
covers 102 and 142 opened with respect to bases 104 and 144. In
FIG. 3, cosmetic powder cakes 106 and 108 are respectively located
within internal regions or recesses 110 and 112 in base 104. Powder
cakes 106 and 108 could be in direct contact with the portion of
case 100 defining recesses 110 and 112, or alternatively, trays or
other intermediate structures containing powder cakes 106 and 108
could be located (fixedly or removably) in recesses 110 and 112.
The recesses are configured to surround and contain powder cakes
106 and 108. Analogously, as illustrated in FIG. 4, powder cake 146
is surrounded and contained within recess 148 in base 144. As used
herein, references to material surrounding the cosmetic composition
are to be understood to include the alternatives of directly
surrounding the cosmetic substance, or surrounding a carrier or
tray in which the cosmetic substance is contained.
[0024] Each of the illustrated cosmetic compacts may contain
additional accoutrements. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
recess 114 in base 104 removably holds cosmetic applicator 116
having an applicator portion 117 configured to be loaded with the
cosmetic composition, and a handling portion 119 configured to be
grasped by a user. Similarly, recess 118 in cover 102 holds a
mirror 120. If the invention is embodied in a method that involves
mascara, nail varnish, or other liquid cosmetics, the cosmetic
product may include a region configured in the form of a reservoir
capable of containing a liquid cosmetic composition, and,
optionally, also an applicator stored in the region.
[0025] In FIG. 3, an elongated flexible closure mechanism 122
extends from base 104 and includes a snap 124 on a distal end
thereof. The snap 124 fastens to a corresponding snap component 125
located on cover 102, when cover 102 is in a closed position, such
as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5B.
[0026] Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6A and 6B, a
closure includes a fastener, the components of which are mounted on
the cover and base. As illustrated in FIG. 4, first snap component
150 is located on base 144, and a second snap component 152 is
located on cover 142. As best illustrated in FIG. 6B, portions of
each snap component 150 and 152 are embedded in the material of the
cover 142 and the base 144.
[0027] The closure mechanisms are illustrated as exemplary only,
and may include any type of fastening device including magnets,
Velcro, latches, dtentes, or any other type of mechanical closure
mechanism.
[0028] One exemplary method of the invention also involves making
available a non-cosmetic product. In accordance with this
embodiment, the non-cosmetic product may be any good that is not
traditionally considered a cosmetic. Examples include shoes,
jackets, skirts, dresses, slacks, pants, socks, shirts, blouses,
bathing suits, suits, ties, undergarments, hats, and any other
clothing article. Further examples of non-cosmetic products include
purses, belts, bags, scarves, jewelry, watches, hair accessories,
headbands, hair clips, barrettes, hair scrunches, and any other
fashion accessory. Non-cosmetic products may also include sporting
goods and sporting goods equipment carriers such as golf
accessories, golf bags, rackets, and racket bags. Additional the
non-cosmetic products may include luggage, car seats, towels,
bedding items, sheets, blankets, toiletry bags, and other household
goods. The above listings are not intended to be inclusive, it
being understood that non-cosmetic products, as used herein, is
intended to cover any product that is not a cosmetic.
[0029] An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes "making
available" both the cosmetic and non cosmetic products. As used
herein, the term "making available" refers to one or more of
manufacture, manufacturer's distribution, wholesale distribution,
retail distribution, promotional distribution, and other forms of
distribution, sale, or provision. The term "making available" also
refers to the display of a product, whether it be through
promotional display, electronic commerce display, or point of sale
notifications. An entity may make a product available if that
entity cooperates with another who directly or indirectly
distributes, sells, promotes or advertises a product. Thus, for
example, a cosmetic product may be made available by a clothing
manufacturer if the clothing manufacturer enters into an agreement
or otherwise cooperates with the cosmetic manufacturer whereby each
manufactures and distributes their own product to the benefit of
the other, as is discussed in more detail below.
[0030] The first exemplary embodiment of the invention, in its
broadest sense, does not necessarily require that the cosmetic and
non-cosmetic products be provided in the same way. For example,
retail distribution may be used for the cosmetic product while
promotional distribution may be used for the non-cosmetic product.
One product may be sold in a brick and mortar store, while the
other might be made available through electronic commerce.
[0031] In accordance with an exemplary method of the invention,
both the cosmetic product and the non-cosmetic product may have a
visible portion comprising a first material chosen from fabric,
facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation animal skin. The
term "fabric" generally refers to any woven material including
fibers, any non-woven material including fibers, and, in its
broadest sense, even sheet-like materials lacking fibers, for
example. The term "facsimile of fabric" includes any type of
material having a visual appearance made to resemble a fabric. The
term "animal skin" includes animal hides, such as leather, or any
animal fur. The term "imitation animal skin" includes any type of
material having a visual appearance resembling animal skin, such as
imitation leather or imitation animal fur or materials containing
images of the same such as through printing or other
techniques.
[0032] As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7A, a non-cosmetic
product such as garment 160 includes an outer fabric with a pattern
162 thereon. The pattern 162 may be woven, printed, provided by
appliqu, or provided in any conventional or non-conventional
manner. A replica 162' of pattern 162 may be reproduced on cosmetic
case 140 as illustrated in FIG. 7B. The replica 162' may be a
facsimile of fabric 162, such as may be provided through various
printing techniques, or pattern 162' may be provided by using the
same fabric on cosmetic case 140 as is used in garment 160.
[0033] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, two products are
said to either resemble each other or share similar aesthetic
properties. This terminology is used herein to be inclusive of the
gamut of similarities--from products that convey similar visual
themes, to simulations, to precise identity. FIG. 7 is
illustrative. FIGS. 7A and 7B are intended to convey the notion
that precisely the same fabric may be used on two separate
products, such that the visual aesthetic properties of at least
portions of the two products are substantially identical. FIG. 7C
illustrates a diagonal band of pattern on garment 182 similar to
the pattern on the cosmetic case illustrated in FIG. 7B. Similarly,
FIG. 7D reproduces a smaller portion of the pattern on garment 184.
In FIGS. 7E and 7F, various configurations of similar patterns are
illustrated on cosmetic cylinder 186 and fragrance bottle 188.
Thus, while the representations of FIGS. 7A-7F each represent a
visible aesthetic property in different manners, within the context
of the invention, all of the representations illustrated in FIGS.
7A-7F are to be considered as resembling each other and sharing
similar aesthetic properties.
[0034] Importantly, precise identity is not required. Rather, the
first material used on the non-cosmetic product and the second
material used on the cosmetic product may only appear to resemble
each other. For example, the first material and the second material
may have appearances resembling each other in one or more of color,
pattern, texture, or theme. Thus, the pattern of the fabric of
garment 170 in FIG. 9A is not necessarily precisely the same as the
pattern of the fabric of cosmetic case 180 in FIG. 9D.
Nevertheless, the two have appearances resembling each other and
are therefore within the scope of the invention.
[0035] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the resembling
materials on the cosmetic product and the non-cosmetic product do
not necessarily need to cover a substantial visible portion of the
product. For example, in FIG. 7C, the fabric pattern is merely a
band of fabric on garment 182. In FIG. 8D, a small appliqu of
fabric is applied in one location on garment 184. FIG. 7E
illustrates a cosmetic cylinder 186 such as a lipstick or mascara
container, with the pattern replicated in a vertical band.
Similarly, in FIG. 7F, a perfume or cologne container 188 is
illustrated with the pattern replicated in a diagonal band.
[0036] FIG. 8A illustrates a garment 190 having a fur or faux fur
accent along edges thereof. Either the same fur, or a simulation of
the same fur may be provided on a cosmetic case 192 such as
illustrated in FIG. 8B, or on a cosmetic tube 194, as illustrated
in FIG. 8C. Other animal skins such as leather may also be used.
Again, the concept is not that the two products necessarily have
the identical appearance, but rather that they convey a similar
visual theme so that consumers are likely to associate the two
products with each other. FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a few other
examples of products that resemble each other, sharing similar
visible aesthetic properties.
[0037] In accordance with the invention, one of the non-cosmetic
product and the cosmetic product may be offered for sale. The offer
for sale may be made via a manufacturer, a distributor, a reseller,
a wholesaler, or a retailer. The cosmetic and non-cosmetic products
may be offered for sale alone in the same or separate locations, or
may be offered for sale as an ensemble.
[0038] The invention may also include establishing a marketing link
between the cosmetic and the non-cosmetic product. The marketing
link may take one of a number of forms. For example, one or more
manufacturers or distributors of the cosmetic and non-cosmetic
products may arrange to provide at the point of sale, information
to the purchaser of at least one of the cosmetic and non-cosmetic
product, the information advising the purchaser of an existence of
a matching other product. In this way, the consumer receiving the
information may be motivated to purchase the other matching
article. The information provided to the consumer as part of the
marketing link, may include an offer for purchase of the other
product at a reduced price, or may include an incentive to purchase
one product, and thereby receive the other product free of charge.
The marketing link may include a coupon for the purchase of the
other product.
[0039] Alternatively, although not mutually exclusive of any other
mechanism, the marketing link may include an advertising campaign
that refers to the cosmetic and the non-cosmetic product within a
single advertisement. The advertisement may take the form of
printed ads, signs, mailings, fliers, product labels, e-mail,
website pages, web casts, audio broadcasts, analogue and digital
video broadcast, television and radio broadcasts and promotional
displays. Preferably, the advertisement advises the consumer of the
existence of matching cosmetic and non-cosmetic products, to
thereby explicitly or implicitly encourage the consumer to purchase
both products.
[0040] The marketing link may include labels associated with one or
more of the products. For example, labels may be secured to the
product or the product packaging to thereby notify a consumer of a
matching product. Alternatively, the manufacturer, distributor or
other seller may provide a display sign to be posted at the point
of sale, notifying the consumer of a matching product. As another
alternative, the manufacturer/distributor/seller may provide
notification to purchasers by directing them to a website or other
electronic location containing further information about matching
products.
[0041] The notification may include an incentive to the purchaser
to obtain the other product. The incentive may include a coupon or
other offer to obtain the product at a discounted price. The
marketing link may include an offer to sell the other product at a
reduced price, or an offer to provide the other product free of
charge as an incentive to purchase the first product.
[0042] In an even broader sense, the marketing link may simply be
that the two products employ a visual aesthetic property that is
sufficiently unique to the two products that an ordinary or
educated consumer who views the two products either side-by-side
and/or at different times may be inclined to make a visual
connection between the two products.
[0043] The matching products need not necessarily be sold under the
same brand name. For example, the cosmetic product may be sold
under a first brand name or trademark such as L'Oreal, while the
non-cosmetic product may be sold under a second brand name of
trademark, such as Ralph Lauren. Alternatively, the two products
could be sold and/or distributed under single brand name or
trademark, or under a plurality of brand names or trademarks
whether they be commonly owned or owned by different entities in
cooperation with each other. Brand marks may be contained on the
product itself, on the product packaging, or may be omitted from
the product and may be otherwise associated with the product at the
point of sale.
[0044] The cosmetic and non-cosmetic product may be sold in a
physical retail establishment or over an electronic network, such
as the Internet. The products may both be sold in the same store,
in different departments within the same store, or in different
stores. Similarly, the products may be sold on the same Internet
website, different portions of the same website, or different
websites altogether. Alternatively, one product may be offered in a
physical store while the other may be offered in an electronic
forum.
[0045] While the various figures illustrate the first and second
materials located on an external portion of cosmetic and
non-cosmetic products, in its broadest sense, the invention is not
so limited. Rather, it may be sufficient for the material to be
located on a non external portion of the product visible to the
consumer. For example, the material may be located on the inside of
a cosmetic case visible when the cosmetic case is opened.
[0046] From another perspective, the invention involves making
available different products with similar visible aesthetic
properties. The visible aesthetic property may include any
treatment recognizable to the consumer, which the consumer would
then associate with another product containing a similar treatment.
The visible aesthetic property may take the form of fabric
patterns, color patterns, fur, faux fur, embossing, printing, silk
screening, appliqus, stickers, or any other mechanism capable of
conveying a visual property. Similar aesthetic properties may be
achieved with differing mechanisms, for example, on one product,
the aesthetic property may take the form of a fabric pattern or
fur, while on a matching product the fabric pattern or fur may be
reproduced with a printing technique.
[0047] The invention may include cooperating with a purveyor of
clothing to enable distribution of a clothing product having a
visible aesthetic property similar to the visible aesthetic
property of the cosmetic product, and to thereby promote
distribution of at least one of said product through distribution
of the other of said products. In most instances, by simply
cooperating to incorporate similar visible aesthetic properties in
two products and by making consumers aware of the same, promotion
will inherently occur. Nevertheless, as embodied herein, the
cooperating may involve varying parties and may take differing
forms. For example, the purveyors of the different products may be
separate, unrelated companies, may be related companies, or may be
separate groups within the same company. The mechanism for
cooperating may range from a formal written agreement to an
informal oral understanding. And the extent of the cooperation may
run the gamut from a fully integrated joint marketing/promotional
campaign to a loose understanding that each entity will employ a
similar visible aesthetic property in its respective product(s),
regardless of the fact that the products may or may not be sold
together, and may or may not be sold under the same brand name or
trademark. The fact that the two purveyors cooperate, inherently
enables each to distribute a product with aesthetic properties
similar to that of the other's.
[0048] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a method may include notifying a purchaser of the cosmetic product
and/or the clothing product about the existence of the other of the
cosmetic product and the clothing product, the notification
advising the purchaser that the cosmetic product and the clothing
product have similar aesthetic properties. As embodied herein, the
purchaser may be provided with the notification through any one of
the mechanisms discussed earlier including, but not limited to,
product labels, or displays that may be provided by the
manufacturer and displayed to the purchaser at the point of sale.
For example, the manufacturer may attach labels to the product
thereby providing the purchaser with notification. Alternatively,
the manufacturer/distributor may provide notification to the
purchaser by providing point of sale display signs to the
retailer.
[0049] While the invention is discussed in connection with cosmetic
and non-cosmetic products, in its broader sense, as mentioned
earlier, the invention is not so limited, and may even include
using a common visible aesthetic property to promote sales of
functionally unrelated products (e.g., products that are not
typically used to further the same function). As with the previous
example, the purveyor(s) of the first and second products may
incorporate a common visible aesthetic property into the products
with the intention of causing consumers who view one of the
products to visually associate them with each other. Further, the
purveyor(s) of the first and second products might notify consumers
who purchase at least one of the products of the existence of the
other product. The concepts discussed in connection with previous
embodiments apply equally to this embodiment and therefore are not
repeated.
[0050] Depending on how the invention is embodied, it may assist
purveyors of two different products to obtain access to the other's
market niche. For example, a first brand name manufacturer may be
able to increase market share by using the invention to cooperate
with another manufacturer who is not necessarily a competitor. This
may provide a win-win situation since the cooperation between two
companies who may not directly compete with each other may allow
each company to promote the other's product(s) without posing a
risk to existing market share.
[0051] While the precise construction of the cosmetics container is
not limiting to the invention in its broader sense, in one
embodiment, the cosmetics container may be made of a foam covered
by another material. Examples are illustrated in cross-section in
FIGS. 5B and 6B where foam material 101 and 141 are respectively
covered by fabric material 103 and 143.
[0052] Various foams and covering materials may be used, and
therefore, the mention of particular materials herein is not
intended to limit the invention in its broadest sense. By way of
example, the foam may be polyethylene, polyurethane or polystyrene,
and the covering material may be a material such as lycra. The
fabric may be bonded to the foam material by heat and/or glue.
Alternatively, the foam may not be covered at all, or may simply be
imprinted or embossed with a visual aesthetic property.
[0053] Depending on construction, a foam core may enable certain
features. For example, foam may protect the contents of the
container from breakage. Foam may also be lighter than other
materials traditionally used for cosmetic cases, enabling a weight
savings in hand bags or purses.
[0054] To manufacture a foam core cosmetics container, a blank 300
may be inserted into a molding device 302, as illustrated in FIG.
16. The blank 300 may be an uncovered piece of foam, or a piece of
foam covered on one or both sides with an aesthetic material such
as fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, or imitation animal
skin. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 16, foam core 304 is
covered on each side with fabric layers 306.
[0055] In FIG. 16, a die 308 is positioned on one side of the blank
300 and a mating shaping member 310 on the other. As reflected by
the arrow 312 in FIG. 16, the die 308 and shaping member 310 move
together forming the cosmetic container by pressure. Depending on
the materials used, heat may be applied to the die and/or the
shaping member to aid in the formation process. When the die 308
and shaping member 310 separate as indicated by the arrow 314 in
FIG. 17, the finished product 316 is revealed, the edges of which
may require trimming to remove excess material (not illustrated in
FIG. 17.)
[0056] During the molding process described above, the molding
materials are subjected to deforming pressure. Therefore, depending
on the amount of deformation required, it may be beneficial to
employ a fabric stretchable in multiple directions without tearing.
Lycra is an example of one such fabric.
[0057] The shaping member/die may be configured to form one or more
recesses in the foam (or material covered foam). One such recess
may be configured to contain and surround a cosmetic composition.
The cosmetic composition may be, for example, in powder cake form,
such as a blush or rouge. The powder cake may itself be contained
within a tray to prevent damage to the cake, and the cosmetic
composition so configured may itself be surrounded by and contained
within a recess in the foam. Such a construction not only may
provide favorable aesthetics, but may also serve to protect the
cosmetic product from damage.
[0058] Similarly, a recess may be provided to contain a mirror. As
with the recess for the cosmetics composition, the mirror recess
may surround the edges of a mirror embedded therein. This too may
protect the mirror from breakage and may provide a favorable
aesthetic quality to the cosmetic case.
[0059] A further recess may be provided as a holder for a cosmetic
applicator. The recess may be sized to enable the applicator to be
easily removed for use, and stored in the recess when not in use.
Applicator details are discussed earlier in connection with FIGS. 3
and 4.
[0060] As also discussed previously, the cosmetic product may
include a base and a cover (such as cover 102 and base 104 in FIG.
3). When formed of foam material, base and cover may be molded
together from a single blank 300. The die/shaping member may be
configured to form a thinned region between the cover and the base
to serve as a hinge. In such an instance, the hinge may be covered
with the covering material 306. Alternatively, the base and cover
may be molded separately and later connected to each other.
[0061] After the molding process is complete, a closure mechanism
may be added. For example, male and female ends of a snap may be
embedded within lips of the cover and base so that in a closed
position, the cover and base snap together (see, e.g., elements 150
and 152 in FIG. 4). Alternatively, and as illustrated by way of
example in connection with FIG. 3, an elongated closure mechanism
122 may be formed during the molding process and used to carry one
half of a snap 124 or another closure mechanism, such as those
discussed previously. The elongated closure mechanism is
illustrated as being fixedly connected to the base 104. However, it
could alternatively be fixedly connected to the cover 102.
[0062] The manufacture of foam products is discussed, for example,
in French Patent Publication FR 2674183-A1, dated Mar. 21, 1991,
the technical disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. In addition, foam core article construction is discussed
in concurrently filed U.S. provisional application entitled,
"Device For Applying a Product Such as a Cosmetic or Care Product"
[Attorney Docket No. 05725.6034], the technical disclosure of which
is also incorporated herein by reference. In addition to die based
molding processes, injection molding processes or other processes
for forming or shaping foam may also be used in connection with the
invention. Thus, the invention, in its broadest sense, is not
restricted to a particular manufacturing process.
[0063] The location and number of recesses within the foam
container may be a matter of design choice. For example, multiple
recesses may be formed to contain differing cosmetic compositions,
differing applicators, or for other uses. In addition, where
appropriate, recesses may be omitted for an applicator or
mirror.
[0064] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a method is
provided for enabling a consumer to customize the appearance of a
cosmetic product container. The method includes supplying
information regarding a plurality of differing cosmetic
compositions so that a consumer may select a specific cosmetic
composition to be applied to an external body portion, such as the
skin and/or hair. For example, the information might include a
first set of information regarding particular groups of products,
such as eye shadows, nail varnishes, blushes, mascaras, etc., a
second set of information regarding particular brand names
associated with sets of products available for each of the product
groupings, and a third set of information regarding the specific
products (e.g., particular colors and/or shades) available for each
brand of product sets.
[0065] Information may be received regarding the cosmetic
composition selected by the consumer, and the consumer may supplied
with information regarding a plurality of differing visible
aesthetic properties so that a consumer may select a visible
aesthetic property to be located on a container for the selected
cosmetic composition. Once information regarding the selected
aesthetic property is received, activity takes place to cause the
consumer to receive a cosmetic product having the selected cosmetic
composition in a container with the customer-selected visible
aesthetic property.
[0066] The product may be custom-configured after the customer's
order is received, or, alternatively, various combinations of
options may be maintained in stock so that the customer's order may
be filled from stock. Regardless, the method may provide the
customer with a sense of customization.
[0067] The information could be supplied, conveyed, and received in
any known manner including any form of electronic communication,
such as a telephone conversation, an e-mail message, a website on
an electronic network, and/or a facsimile transmission. The
information could also be sent via any non-electronic communication
means, such as conventional postal delivery.
[0068] The activity for causing the consumer to receive the
cosmetic product might include one or more of the following:
placement of a shipping order, packaging of the cosmetic product,
printing of a shipping label, and/or delivery to the consumer. In
addition, the customer could be provided with an offer to purchase
the product or information about how the product could be
purchased.
[0069] The cosmetic product could be configured in the form of any
of the cosmetic products described above and a visible portion of
the cosmetic product could include material having the selected
visible aesthetic property. The method might also include engaging
in activity causing the customer to receive a separate sample of
material having the selected visible aesthetic property. For
example, the sample of material could be shipped with the cosmetic
product or the sample of material could be shipped separately. Such
a material sample might induce sales of a non-cosmetic products
formed of the material.
[0070] Optionally, the method could include providing the consumer
with a notification informing the consumer about an opportunity to
purchase an article of clothing or other non-cosmetic product
having the selected visible aesthetic property.
[0071] FIG. 18 shows a schematic example of a screen display
associated with an electronic network, such as the internet,
wherein the screen display is configured to accomplish at least
some of the aspects the cosmetic product customizing method. As
shown in this figure, the screen display includes a group of
cosmetic composition selectors 402, a group of material appearance
selectors 404, a display area 406, a notification area 408, and an
ordering selector 410.
[0072] Each cosmetic composition selector 402 may relate to a
specific cosmetic composition differing from the cosmetic
compositions of the other selectors 302. For example, as
illustrated, each selector 402 represents a different shade of
foundation powder. Similarly, if the display of FIG. 18 were to be
configured for a particular brand name of eye shadow, each cosmetic
composition selector might be a specific color and/or shadow of a
specific eye shadow product capable of being selected by a
consumer.
[0073] Each material appearance selector 404 may relate to a
material having a differing visual appearance. When a user selects
one of the selectors 404, the display area 406 could be configured
to display an image of a cosmetic container including a visual
portion with the selected material. Activation of the ordering
selector 410 could cause send ordering information regarding the
specific cosmetic composition and material appearance selected by
the consumer. Actions could then be taken to cause the consumer to
receive the send the consumer a cosmetic product including the
selected composition within a container including the selected
appearance.
[0074] The notification area 408 could provide a notification about
how the consumer would be able to purchase a non-cosmetic product,
such as an article of clothing, having a visible portion with
material resembling the selected pattern. The notification provided
in notification area 408 could be mere written information
describing at least one brick and mortar store where the
non-cosmetic product could be purchase the non-cosmetic product.
Alternatively, or in addition, the notification area 408 could
provide a link to another display area or network where a consumer
could obtain such information and/or purchase the non-cosmetic
product electronically. Optionally, the display area 406 could be
configured to display an image of the non-cosmetic product with the
selected material.
[0075] For expedience of disclosure, the invention is discussed in
connection with first and second products. It is to be understood
that this includes two or more products. For example, a set of
related and/or unrelated products may share similar visible
aesthetic properties.
[0076] In the foregoing Description of Exemplary Embodiments,
various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for
purposes of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited
in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive
aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing
disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into this Description of the Exemplary Embodiments,
with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the
invention.
* * * * *