U.S. patent application number 11/773252 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for shock absorber for cosmetic compact.
Invention is credited to Herve F. BOUIX, William A. Jaremko, Daniel J. Lewis, Jonathan T. Thayer.
Application Number | 20080011320 11/773252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38924044 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011320 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOUIX; Herve F. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
SHOCK ABSORBER FOR COSMETIC COMPACT
Abstract
A shock absorber member is provided in a cosmetic compact to
isolate a pan containing cosmetic product such as a pressed powder
foundation, from impacts and vibration that might cause the product
to crack or crumble. The shock absorber has at least two arched
portions suspending the pan in a clearance in a base of the
cosmetic compact. The arched portions are sufficiently resilient to
allow the pan to move within the clearance relative to the base.
The arched portions prevent shocks, impacts or vibrations from
being transmitted to the pan from the base.
Inventors: |
BOUIX; Herve F.; (New York,
NY) ; Thayer; Jonathan T.; (Nutley, NJ) ;
Jaremko; William A.; (Warwick, NY) ; Lewis; Daniel
J.; (Ridgewood, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE ESTEE LAUDER COS, INC
155 PINELAWN ROAD, STE 345 S
MELVILLE
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
38924044 |
Appl. No.: |
11/773252 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60807261 |
Jul 13, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2033/001 20130101;
A45D 33/006 20130101; A45D 40/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/293 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic compact comprising: a pan adapted to contain a solid
or semi-solid cosmetic product, the pan having a bottom wall and a
perimeter wall; a base with a clearance dimensioned to receive the
pan such that a gap is defined between at least one of the pan
bottom and the base and the perimeter wall and the base; a shock
absorbing member adapted to connect the base to the pan, the shock
absorbing member having a first arcuate portion extending across
the gap, the first arcuate portion positioned along a first axis,
and a second arcuate portion extending across the gap, the second
arcuate portion positioned along a second axis transverse to the
first axis; wherein each of the first arcuate portion and the
second arcuate portion are sufficiently resilient to permit
movement of the pan relative to the base within the clearance
thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration from the base
to the pan.
2. The cosmetic compact of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing
member further comprises a third arcuate portion extending across
the gap, the third arcuate portion positioned along the first axis
on an opposite side of the pan from the first arcuate portion, and
a fourth arcuate portion extending across the gap, the fourth
arcuate portion positioned along the second axis on an opposite
side of the pan from the second arcuate portion; wherein each of
the third arcuate portion and the fourth arcuate portion are
sufficiently resilient to permit movement of the pan relative to
the base thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration from
the base to the pan.
3. The cosmetic compact of claim 1 wherein the first arcuate
portion and the second arcuate portion each form part of a
continuous arcuate web that connects the perimeter wall of the pan
to the base.
4. The cosmetic compact of claim 3 wherein each of the first
arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are defined within
the continuous arcuate web by a pair of slits.
5. The cosmetic compact of claim 3 wherein each of the first
arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are defined between
openings in the continuous arcuate web.
6. The cosmetic compact of claim 1 wherein each of the first
arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion comprise an
arch.
7. The cosmetic compact of claim 1 wherein each of the first
arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion comprises an
inverted arch.
8. The cosmetic compact of claim 1 wherein the cross section of
each of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion
comprises an S curve.
9. A shock absorbing device for use in a cosmetic compact between a
base of the compact and a pan received in the base, the pan adapted
to contain a solid or semi-solid cosmetic product, the device
comprising: an outer plate having a central clearance defined by an
inner edge, the outer plate adapted to connect to one of the base
or the pan; an inner plate having an outer edge, the inner plate
dimensioned to be received in the central clearance such that a gap
is defined between the outer edge of the inner plate and the inner
edge of the outer plate, the inner plate adapted to connect to the
other of the base or the pan; a first arcuate portion extending
across the gap to connect the outer plate to the inner plate, the
first arcuate portion positioned along a first axis; and a second
arcuate portion extending across the gap to connect the outer plate
to the inner plate, the second arcuate portion positioned along a
second axis transverse to the first axis; wherein each of the first
arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are sufficiently
resilient to permit movement of the inner plate relative to the
outer plate thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration
from the base to the pan.
10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a third arcuate
portion extending across the gap to connect the outer plate to the
inner plate, the third arcuate portion positioned along the first
axis on an opposite side of the inner plate from the first arcuate
portion, and a fourth arcuate portion extending across the gap to
connect the outer plate to the inner plate, the fourth arcuate
portion positioned along the second axis on an opposite side of the
inner plate from the second arcuate portion; wherein each of the
third arcuate portion and the fourth arcuate portion are
sufficiently resilient to permit movement of the pan relative to
the base thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration from
the base to the pan.
11. The device of claim 9 further comprising a sidewall extending
upwardly from a perimeter of the outer plate, the side wall
defining a clearance dimensioned to receive the pan containing
cosmetic product.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein at least one of the outer plate
and the side wall are adapted to be connected to the pan.
13. The device of claim 9 further comprising a channel in at least
one of the outer plate or the inner plate, the channel dimensioned
to accommodate at least a part of one of the first arcuate portion
or the second arcuate portion.
14. The device of claim 9 wherein each of the first arcuate portion
and the second arcuate portion comprise a configuration selected
from one of a curved arch, an angular arch, a Z shape, an S shape,
a wavy shape and a zigzag shape.
15. The device of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first arcuate
portion and the second arcuate portion is adapted to provide
progressive dampening by varying a thickness along a length of the
respective arcuate portion.
16. The device of claim 9 wherein the outer plate, the inner plate,
the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are
integrally formed as a single piece.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the device is formed by
molding.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein the device is formed by die
cutting.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority/benefit of provisional
application U.S. 60/807,261, filed Jul. 13, 2006
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to cosmetic product packages
that include shock absorbing means. In particular, the present
invention is directed to compact cases with solid or semi-solid
cosmetic products pressed or caste in a support pan. More
particularly, the invention is directed to the means for isolating
the product containing pan from external shock.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] Compacts for solid or semi-solid cosmetic products generally
comprise a base and a corresponding cover. The base has at least
one cavity dimensioned to receive the cosmetic. A shallow plastic
or metal pan containing the solid or semi-solid cosmetic product is
secured in the cavity. The solid or semi-solid cosmetic product may
be, for example, a pressed or caste powder, a semi-solid paste, or
a cake-like consistency. The category of cosmetic may be, for
example, a powder (e.g., blush), a skin foundation, an eye shadow,
a lip cosmetic, etc.
[0004] During shipping or during the normal lifespan of the
product, the compact may be subjected shocks or impacts, for
example, when the compact is accidentally dropped. Some
formulations of solid and semi-solid cosmetics provided in shallow
trays are susceptible to cracking and/or crumbling when the
cosmetic case is subjected to external shock, vibration or impact.
This is particularly true for higher quality pressed powders
manufactured with less compression to provide a softer `feel` to
the user and better product payoff onto the fingers or an
applicator. Clearly, a cracked or crumbled cosmetic product is
undesirable as it presents a negative impression to a consumer.
Furthermore, the cracked or crumbled cosmetic may negatively impact
the performance of the product. For example, cracked or crumbled
product may load unevenly onto an applicator (e.g., a brush or a
pad). This in turn may lead to an undesirable and unattractive
distribution of product on the user's skin.
[0005] Some attempts have been made to rectify the problem. For
example, Japanese publication No. 2006061189 discloses a cosmetic
compact with a cosmetic tray detachably fixed in a recess by a
collar such that the bottom wall of the tray and the bottom wall of
the recess are separated by an air layer.
[0006] Japanese publication No. 2005304850 discloses a cosmetics
container for storing, e.g., foundation and eye shadow. The
container includes inner plates that form cosmetic storage
chambers. The plates are selectively mounted at the bottom of the
container by way of cushion members.
[0007] Japanese publication number 9-191928 discloses a shock
absorbing and thin walled inner plate formed from a thin synthetic
sheet. A second inner plate (presumably non-shock absorbing) is
laid in the shock absorbing inner plate. The shock absorbing inner
plate includes projections for coming in contact with the inner
surface of the housing bottom.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,471 discloses a packaging unit including
a supporting element with a cavity for receiving a pan containing
cosmetic. The pan is secured in the cavity by elastic holding means
(e.g., an o-ring). In addition, compressible means in the form of
flexible foam or flexible spikes may be provided beneath the pan to
compensate for play and/or protect against vibration.
[0009] Japanese publication No. 2002-177044 discloses a container
body with clearance for receiving an inner tray for cosmetics.
Elastic arms provided in opposite sides of the clearance have
protrusions to detachably engage recesses in the sides of the inner
tray. The elastic arms are said to provide properties against a
shock to the inner tray.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,552,173 discloses a powder box in which
resilient means are provided beneath a false bottom to press powder
on the false bottom up through a perforated dispensing
partition.
[0011] French patent number 2691339 discloses a compact with a pan
supported on springs provided to eject the pan from the base to
effect a change of pans.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 1,194,187 discloses a rouge box with a rouge
holding pad yieldably held at the top of the box by a supporting
spring such that when the box is opened the rouge is readily
accessible at all times. The rouge pad is snuggly received in the
box. Accordingly, there does not appear to be a gap of sufficient
dimension to provide for lateral movement of the pad in the
box.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 2,054,004 discloses a vanity case for loose
powder with springs that push a powder receptacle (a pan) upwardly
such that an upper edge of the receptacle maintains contact with
the underside of a cover when the case is closed, thus preventing
leakage or spilling of the powder.
[0014] Japanese publication number 09-299138 discloses an inner
tray for a cosmetic with protrusions formed on the outside. The
protrusions match a groove on the inside of the compact base. The
inner tray with the protrusions is said to give good shock
resistance.
[0015] Japanese publication number 06-189821 discloses a cosmetic
compact with a rubber gasket in an annular form between a lower lid
and the cosmetic tray such that a space is formed between the lower
lid and the cosmetic tray.
[0016] None of the forgoing references disclose a cosmetic compact
for pressed powder with a pan received in a clearance in the base
of the compact such that a gap is defined between the pan and the
base, and wherein the pan is suspended by arcuate members across
the gap and positioned along transverse axes. Accordingly, there is
a need for a cost effective, mass produce-able cosmetic case having
shock absorber means that effectively prevents pressed powder
cosmetics from fracturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention is directed to means for dampening
shocks, impacts and vibration transmitted from the base of a
cosmetic compact to a pan supported within the compact. The pan is
adapted to contain solid or semi-solid cosmetic, e.g., a pressed
powder, which is susceptible to damage in the form of cracking or
crumbling, or in the worst case, release from the pan. The shock
absorbing means minimizes or eliminates damage to the cosmetic
product caused by external shock, impact or vibration. The pan is
positioned in a clearance in the base large enough to provide for
an air gap about the pan. The shock absorbing means comprises at
least two arcuate, resilient portions extending across the gap to
connect the pan to the base. One arcuate portion is directed along
a first axis, and the second arcuate member is directed along a
second axis transverse to the first. The arched portions are
sufficiently resilient to allow the pan to move relative to the
base to a degree that prevents shock, impact or vibration from
being transmitted from the base to the pan.
[0018] In a first embodiment, the arcuate portions are part of a
continuous arched web that connects the pan to the base of the
compact. Alternatively, the arched web may include discontinuities,
such as, for example, cuts or openings, adapted to provide more
reactive and resilient shock absorbing characteristics.
[0019] In a second embodiment, the shock absorbing device comprises
a space-saving planar configuration, i.e., a plate within a plate,
inserted between the pan and the base of the compact. An outer
plate has a central clearance, and an inner plate is suspended in
the central clearance such that a gap is defined between an outer
edge of the inner plate and an inner edge of the outer plate. The
inner plate is suspended in the clearance by at least two arcuate
members. The outer plate is adapted to connect to one of the base
or the pan, and the inner plate is adapted to connect to the other
of the base or the pan.
[0020] Thus, two embodiments of a cost effective, mass produce-able
shock absorbing means are provided for a cosmetic compact case.
Either embodiment can readily be adapted for installation in
existing compact case designs. The shock absorbing means
effectively prevent pressed powder cosmetics from fracturing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressed powder cosmetic
compact of the type that can incorporate either embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compact of FIG. 1
illustrating the first embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the compact of
FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2
illustrating the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a detail view taken from the area indicated by 5
in FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a second embodiment of
the invention, a planar shock absorbing member;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second embodiment shown
in FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a compact base incorporating
the second embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second embodiment in a compact
base;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.
9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the second embodiment
including the compact cover, the pan and the product; and
[0032] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing variations on the arcuate
member for illustrative purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a cosmetic compact is shown
generally at reference number 2. The compact 2 has a cover 12 and a
base 14. A button 16 on the base is provided to release a catch 18
from hook 20. The cover 12 is pivotable between a closed position
(FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2) by way of a hinge shown
generally at 22. As best shown in the exploded view in FIG. 3, the
compact 2 comprises a pan 6 containing a solid or semi-solid
cosmetic product P. The pan 6 has a bottom wall 8 and a perimeter
wall 10. The base 14 has a clearance 24 dimensioned to receive the
pan 6 such that a gap 28, 26 (see FIG. 4) is defined between at
least one of the pan bottom and the base of the compact, and the
perimeter wall of the pan and the base of the compact,
respectively. In other words, the outer dimensions of the pan 6 are
sufficiently less than the dimension of the clearance 24 to define
at least one gap 28 or 26.
[0034] A shock absorbing member 30 is provided to connect the base
to the pan. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, positioned
along a first axis 34 the shock absorbing member 30 has a first
arcuate portion 32 extending across the gap to connect the base to
the pan. A second arcuate portion 36, positioned along a second
axis 38 transverse to the first axis, extends across the gap 26 at
another location to connect the base to the pan. A third arcuate
portion 40 extends across the gap 26 to connect the base to the pan
along the first axis 34 on a side of the pan 6 opposite from the
first arcuate portion 32. A fourth arcuate portion 42 extends
across the gap 26 along the second axis 38 on an opposite side of
the pan 6 from the second arcuate portion 36. The arcuate portions
32, 36, 40, 42 each comprise the area referenced between the broken
lines 31 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the first, second, third, and
fourth arcuate portions is sufficiently resilient to permit
movement of the pan 6 relative to the base 14 within the clearance
26, thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration from the
base to the pan. The arcuate portions 32, 36, 40, 42 work
individually or in concert to dampen and minimize the transmission
of shock and/or vibration from the base 14 to the pan 6, thus,
substantially eliminating damage to the cosmetic product P in the
form of cracking or crumbling.
[0035] While four arcuate portions are illustrated by the broken
lines 31, it will be understood that the number of arcuate portions
may vary from a minimum of two to any suitable number necessary to
prevent damage to the contents of the pan. Preferably, at least two
arcuate portions are provided, one directed along first axis 34 and
another directed along second axis 38 transverse to the first axis.
More preferably, as illustrated, a pair of arcuate portions, 32 and
40 is provided along axis 34, and a pair of arcuate portions 36 and
42 is provided along axis 38, each one of a pair on opposite sides
of the pan 6.
[0036] The arcuate portions 32, 36, 40, 42 may form part of a
continuous arcuate web 44, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, that
connects the perimeter wall 10 of the pan 6 to the edge of the
clearance 24 in the base 14. Alternatively, the arcuate portions
may comprise individual portions or members space apart about the
perimeter of the pan 6. The individual portions or members may be
separately formed, or may be formed by isolating parts from the
rest of the web by slits (e.g., along the broken lines 31) or by
removing portions of the continuous web between adjacent arcuate
portions such that each arcuate portion is defined between openings
in the web. Depending on the resilient material chosen for the
arcuate portions, the latter arrangement may provide greater
flexibility and shock absorbing capability, particularly in a
compact containing a pan with relatively acute corners (e.g., a
square, triangular or rectangular pan). It has been found that the
continuous web arrangement works particularly well with pans that
are substantially round or oval in plan view (as illustrated). For
pans with acute corners (square, triangular or rectangular pans)
the preferred arrangement has individual arcuate portions along
each flat side of the pan (not shown), with clearances in the
arched web at the acute corners of the pan.
[0037] In the first embodiment, preferably, the each arcuate
portion 32, 36, 40, 42 comprises at least one upwardly directed
arch 45 (see FIG. 5). Alternatively, each arcuate portion comprises
at least one inverted arch 47, a wave 49, a Z curve 51 or S curve
53 configuration (see FIGS. 5A-5D).
[0038] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, the
shock absorbing member 30 has a bottom wall 46 to support the pan 6
(not shown in the FIG. 4). Alternatively, a shock absorbing member
could be provided with a partial bottom wall or no bottom wall.
Instead, an inner side wall 48 of the member 30 could be attached
directly to the perimeter wall 10 of the pan 6 by, for example,
mechanical or other fastening means, e.g., glue, sonic welding,
etc. An outer side wall 50 of the shock absorbing member 30 has an
annular ridge 52 for engaging an inner edge 54 of the clearance 24
in the base 14. The member 30 may be fastened to the base 14 by,
for example, interference fit, adhesive, sonic welding, or other
known means.
[0039] The shock absorbing member 30 may be made from any suitable
plastic or elastomer material, such as, for example, rubber,
styrene, acetal, polyethylene, polypropylene. The member may be
made by any suitable method, such as, for example, injection
molding, die-cutting, etc.
[0040] In another embodiment, the shock absorbing member 30
comprises a planar shock absorbing device 130 (FIG. 6) with arcuate
members defining horizontally oriented arches, a configuration that
occupies less height in the compact. The planar shock absorbing
device 130 is adapted for insertion in the cosmetic compact 2
between the base 14 of the compact 2 and the pan 6 received in the
clearance 24 in the base. The planar device 130 comprises an outer
plate 133 with a central clearance 135, and an inner plate 137
suspended in the central clearance by at least two arcuate portions
132, 136. The outer plate 133, the inner plate 137 and the at least
two arcuate portions 132, 136 all lie within the same plane. To
further minimize the height occupied by the device 130, the arch of
each of the at least two arcuate portions also lies within the same
plane as the components 133 and 137, i.e., each arch is
horizontally oriented within the plane as if lying on its side. The
central clearance 135 is defined by an inner edge 139 of the outer
plate. The inner plate 137 has an outer edge 141 and is dimensioned
to be received in the central clearance 135 such that a gap 126 is
defined between the outer edge 141 of the inner plate 137 and the
inner edge 139 of the outer plate 133. The outer plate is adapted
to connect to one of the base or the pan, and the inner plate is
adapted to connect to the other of the base or the pan. The base
and/or the pan may be connected to the device by any suitable
mechanical or other fastening means. For example, the base may be
connected to the inner plate by adhering, welding (e.g., sonic),
riveting or by way of studs or lugs 163 in cooperative openings 165
(e.g., compression fit or heat staking). The pan may be connected
to the outer plate by, for example, glue or similar means.
[0041] First, second, third and fourth arcuate portions, 132, 136,
140, 142, respectively, each horizontally oriented with an arch
within the plane occupied by the inner plate 137 and outer plate
133, extend across the gap to connect the outer plate 133 to the
inner plate 137. The first and third arcuate portions, 132, 140,
are positioned along a first axis 134 on opposite sides of the
inner plate. The second and fourth arcuate portions, 136, 142, are
positioned on opposite sides of the inner plate along a second axis
138 that is transverse to the first axis 134. Each of the arcuate
portions, 132, 136, 140, 142, is sufficiently resilient to permit
movement of the inner plate 137 relative to the outer plate 133
thereby reducing transmission of shock or vibration from the base
14 to the pan 6. The arcuate portions work individually or in
concert to dampen and minimize the transmission of shock and/or
vibration from the base to the pan, thus, substantially eliminating
damage to the cosmetic product P in the form of cracking or
crumbling.
[0042] It will be understood that the number of arcuate portions
provided in the planar shock absorbing device 130 may vary from a
minimum of two to any suitable number necessary to prevent damage
to the contents of a pan attached to the device. Preferably, at
least two arcuate portions are provided, one directed along a first
axis 134 and another directed along second axis 138 transverse to
the first axis. More preferably, pairs of arcuate portions are
provided along each axis, one on each side of the inner plate 137.
However, any reasonable number of arcuate portions may be
provided.
[0043] The outer plate 133 may further comprise an upwardly
directed sidewall 153 extending upwardly from a perimeter 151 of
the outer plate (FIG. 8). A collar 157 including a horizontal wall
155 and/or a depending decorative wall 159 may be provided adjacent
the top of sidewall 153 to fill the space between the sidewall 153
and an outer wall 15 of the base 14. The side wall 153 defines a
clearance 124 dimensioned to receive the pan 6 containing cosmetic
product P. In a first configuration, the pan is attached to the
outer plate and the inner plate is attached to the base 14 of the
compact. The pan 6 may be attached to the outer plate by glue, as
proposed above, or may be attached to the outer plate by way of an
interference fit between the perimeter wall 10 of the pan and the
upwardly directed side wall 153 of the outer plate. The inner plate
137 may be secured to the base 14 of the compact by glue, or
preferably by studs or lugs 163 projecting from one of the plate
137 or the base 14 and secured in cooperative openings 165 in the
other of the plate 137 or the base 14. The studs or lugs 163 may be
secured in the openings 165 by, for example, compression fit, heat
staking, sonic welding or glue. In this first embodiment, it will
be understood that the outer plate 133 will move relative to the
base 14, and therefore the inner edge 171 of collar 157 must be in
a spaced relationship with the top of the upwardly directed side
wall 153 of the outer plate 133. Accordingly, a gap 173 is provided
between the inner edge 171 and the top of the side wall 153. In an
alternative (not illustrated) to the foregoing configuration, the
pan is attached to the inner plate and the base is attached to the
outer plate. In order to allow for movement of the pan relative to
the base, the perimeter wall 10 of the pan must be in spaced
relationship to the sidewall 153 of the outer plate.
[0044] A channel 160 may be provided in the outer plate 133 or the
inner plate 137, or both, to accommodate each arcuate portion 132,
136, 140, 142. The channel 160 permits the arcuate portions to be
relatively long and the inner and outer plates to have relatively
larger surface areas for attachment to the compact base and/or pan
bottom.
[0045] The arcuate portions 132, 136, 140, 142 may have varying
configurations. For example, the arcuate portions may comprise a
curved arch 181 (FIG. 12), an angular arch 183 (FIG. 12), a Z shape
(FIG. 5), an S shape (FIG. 5), a wavy shape 185 (FIG. 12) or a
zigzag shape (not shown), or any combination of the above. The
shock absorbing member 30 in FIG. 12 is illustrated with four
differently configured arcuate portions primarily to illustrate the
various configurations. For purposes of this application, an
arcuate portion shall include all of the above variations as well
as any member or element providing resilience by way of structure
that approximates a curve. The variations may be used in any
combination desired and effective in achieving the shock absorbing
result.
[0046] The plate-like shock absorbing device may be formed with all
its parts as a unitary integral piece. The outer plate, the inner
plate, and the arcuate portions can all be molded as one piece or
cut from a single pieced of base stock by, for example, injection
molding or die-cutting, respectively. The unitary piece may
comprise a part of the compact base, e.g., the bottom wall of an
insert in the base (see FIG. 8).
[0047] In the above embodiments, the arcuate portions may also be
adapted to provide progressive dampening by varying a thickness
along a length of the respective arcuate portion as illustrated by
arcuate portion 187 in FIG. 12.
[0048] Either of the above embodiments may be made from any
suitable plastic, elastomer (natural or synthetic) or metal by
conventional methods, such as, for example, molding or cutting. The
material should be selected to provide appropriate levels of
resilience to keep the product from cracking. Examples of suitable
materials include acetal, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene and
elastomer. If the shock absorbing device 130 is made from a plastic
material, the thickness of the plates and the arcuate members is
preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm.
[0049] It is understood that various modifications and changes in
the specific form and construction of the various parts can be made
without departing from the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *