U.S. patent application number 13/125920 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for packaging system for a cosmetic system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AVON PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to John A. Alongi, Gail Boye.
Application Number | 20110210039 13/125920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42198452 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110210039 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alongi; John A. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
Packaging System for a Cosmetic System
Abstract
A packaging system for a cosmetic system includes a
reduced-space packaging unit having a first container and a second
container. The first container stores and dispenses a first
cosmetic component and the second container (stores and dispenses a
second cosmetic component. The first container includes a closure
to which the second container mounts.
Inventors: |
Alongi; John A.;
(Garnerville, NY) ; Boye; Gail; (New Hope,
PA) |
Assignee: |
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
Suffern
NY
|
Family ID: |
42198452 |
Appl. No.: |
13/125920 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 12, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/64131 |
371 Date: |
April 25, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61116359 |
Nov 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/525 20130101;
A45D 40/24 20130101; B65D 21/0238 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/581 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging system for a cosmetic system, the packaging system
comprising: a reduced-space packaging unit comprising a first
container and a second container, the first container for storing
and dispensing a first cosmetic component and the second container
for storing and dispensing a second cosmetic component; the first
container comprising a closure; the second container comprising a
receiving space for mounting to the first container.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first container
comprises a first peripheral shape and the second container
comprises a second peripheral shape, the peripheral shapes having
matching cross-sections to form a continuous peripheral shape of
the reduced-space packaging unit.
3. The packaging system of claim 2, wherein the peripheral shape of
the reduced-space packaging unit is cylindrical.
4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first container
comprises a pliable body material and the second container
comprises a rigid body material.
5. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the first cosmetic
component comprises a liquid cosmetic and the second component
comprises a granular cosmetic.
6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein the first cosmetic
component comprises a face wash and the second component comprises
an exfoliating agent.
7. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the closure is a toggle
cap, and second container comprises a closure having a spout,
wherein the closures are selected for ease of dispensing the
respective cosmetic component.
8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first container
comprises a shoulder having a downward slope from a central portion
to the peripheral edge and the second container comprises a base
having a shape matching the shoulder to provide a substantially
uninterrupted peripheral shape of the reduced-space packaging
unit.
9. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second container
comprises a plurality of staves on an inner peripheral wall to bear
against the closure of the first container.
10. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the reduced packaging
unit comprises a peripheral shape that is constant in
cross-section.
11. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the peripheral shape
consists of a single interruption at an interface formed between
the first container and the second container.
12. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic system
consists of the first and second cosmetic components.
13. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein the first and second
cosmetic components work cooperatively.
14. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first container
and the second container are sized to provide substantially
identical number of uses of the respective first and second
cosmetic component.
15. A packaging system comprising: a first container and a second
container, second container removably mountable to the first
container to form a reduced-space package for ease of use by a
user; a cosmetic system comprising a first and a second cosmetic
component selectable by the user; the first cosmetic component
stored in the first container and dispensable therefrom; and the
second cosmetic component stored in the second container and
dispensable therefrom.
16. The packaging system of claim 15, wherein the first and second
cosmetic components a work cooperatively.
17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein the first cosmetic
component comprises an aqueous based cleanser or a gel cleanser and
the first container comprising a pliable body toggle cap to
dispense the aqueous based cleanser easily.
18. The packaging system of claim 17, wherein the second cosmetic
component comprises an exfoliating granular agent and the second
container comprising a rigid body and a spout to dispense the
exfoliating granular agent easily.
19. The packaging system (10) of claim 18, wherein the first
container (20) and the second container (40) are sized to provide
substantially identical number of uses of the respective first and
second cosmetic component.
20. The packaging system (10) of claim 15, wherein the reduced
packaging unit (60) comprises a peripheral shape (60a) that is
constant in cross-section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to International
Application Serial No. PCT/US09/64131 filed Nov. 12, 2009, which
claims priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/116,359 filed on Nov. 20, 2008, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to packaging systems, in
particular, to packaging systems for a cosmetic system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Typically, packaging for a cosmetic or cosmetic systems
comprises components that are individually packaged. Each of these
components then may be boxed together to represent a cosmetic
system that includes at least two components that create a cosmetic
effect. However, boxed cosmetic systems have a drawback insofar
they have unnecessary packaging and occupy significant volume,
[0006] Moreover, cosmetic systems known in the art provide cosmetic
components separately, which may be misplaced.
[0007] Thus, what is needed is a packaging system having a reduced
space with less packaging material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] These and other needs are filled by the present invention.
Therein, a packaging system for a cosmetic system comprises a first
container and a second container, the second container removably
mounted onto the first container. Each container comprises
different cosmetic components, which together provide a cosmetic
effect.
[0009] The second cosmetic container may be mounted to a closure,
such as a toggle cap provided on the first container. The second
container may comprise a lid, e.g., a snap-on cap, which has a
spout for easy dispensing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a packaging system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the packaging system of
FIG. 1a wherein a first container and a second container are being
separated.
[0012] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the packaging system of
FIG. 1a wherein the first container and the second container are
separated.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a first container of a
packaging system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second container of a
packaging system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention and wherein the second container comprises a
translucent material.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second container of the
packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c wherein a spout is in an open
position.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of exploded second container of
the packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c in relation to a closure of the
first container.
[0017] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the second container of
the packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c taken through FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a body of the second
container of the packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a closure of
the second container in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further portion of a
closure of the second container in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in
the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts
or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to
precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only,
directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down,
over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front may be used with
respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should
not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any
manner.
[0022] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a packaging system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1b is
a perspective view of the packaging system of FIG. 1a wherein a
first container and a second container are being separated. FIG. 1c
is a perspective view of the packaging system of FIG. 1a wherein
the first container and the second container are separated.
[0023] A multi-component cosmetic system 100 comprises a plurality
of cosmetic components that are stored and transported in a
reduced-space packaging system. Packaging system 10 comprises a
first container 20 and a second container 40, which removably
mounts onto the first container, and can be separated as
illustrated, for example, by FIGS. 1b-1c, along an axis through a
closure.
[0024] In a mounted state, for example, in FIG. 1a, the first
container and the second container join to form a reduced-space
packaging unit 60. Reduced-space packaging unit 60 comprises a
peripheral shape 60a that is substantially unbroken and continuous
between a base of the first container and the closure of the second
container. The peripheral shape may comprise any suitable shape and
size. Thus, as illustrated herein, peripheral shape 60a may
comprise a substantially cylindrical shape that is constant in
cross-section and that is interrupted only at the interface 60b
formed between first container 20 and second container 40.
[0025] Advantageously, packaging unit 60 comprises less packaging
material and may be shipped easily and occupy less space than both
containers would individually. Thus, packaging system 10 is more
cost effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, once
packaging unit 60 has reached the hands of a user, the combination
of two components presents an impact on the end user, is easier to
handle and store, and keeps two separate components together for
easy use.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a first container of a
packaging system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention. First container 20 stores and dispenses a first
cosmetic component and second container 40 stores and dispenses a
second cosmetic component, which is usable with the first cosmetic
component to produce a cosmetic effect. For example, the first
cosmetic component may be facial wash and the second cosmetic
component may be a bead-like material that provides exfoliation of
the user's skin when utilized with the facial wash.
[0027] First container 20 comprises any convenient shape and
material. First container 20 comprises a body 20a, a base 20b, a
shoulder 20c, and a closure 20d. Therein, body 20a comprises a
peripheral shape 20e that may be, but need not be, substantially
constant in cross-section from base 20b to shoulder 20c. Shoulder
20c may have any convenient shape, but preferably, includes a
downward slope from a central portion to the peripheral edge.
[0028] The first cosmetic component, such as, in the example give
above, a facial wash, may be in a liquid or gel state, including
solutions, dispersions, emulsions, lotions, and creams. Thus, first
container 20 may comprise a substantially cylindrical body 20a made
of a pliable material, such as plastic. Therein, the first
container may be made by injection molding.
[0029] Base 20b may be reinforced, while the body is soft-sided to
permit a user to squeeze first container 20. Shoulder 20c may
connect to a centrally located neck portion 20e to which closure
20d is fitted. Closure 20d may be a removable toggle cap that is
screwed onto neck portion 20f. The toggle cap permits the first
cosmetic component to exit in a convenient manner via downwardly
operable user-push portion 20g that toggles an outflow (not shown)
free from a wall portion of the cap.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second container 40 of a
packaging system 60 in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present invention and wherein the second container comprises a
translucent material. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second
container 40 of the packaging system 60 of FIGS. 1a-1c wherein a
spout is in an open position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of
exploded second container 40 of the packaging system 60 of FIGS.
1a-1c in relation to a closure 20d of the first container.
[0031] Second container 40 comprises a first body 40a, which
includes a receiving space 40b and base 40c, and a closure 40d.
Body 40a may be made of any suitable shape and any suitable
material and comprise any suitable shape. However, body 40a
preferably comprises a peripheral shape 40e that continues
peripheral shape 20e. Therein, peripheral shape 40e at the base 40c
in cross-section matches a cross-section of peripheral shape 20e at
shoulder 20c.
[0032] Base 40c comprises a shape that matches the shape of
shoulder 20c by including a matching downward slope from a central
portion to a peripheral edge of the base. Moreover, receiving space
40b comprises a shape that fits, preferably snugly, onto closure
20d to permit the second container to be removably mounted onto the
first container. Thus, receiving space 40b comprises a peripheral
wall 40f and a raised base 40g that seals the space from the
interior of the second container.
[0033] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the second container of
the packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c taken through FIG. 4. FIG. 6b
is a perspective view of a body of the second container of the
packaging system of FIGS. 1a-1c.
[0034] To ensure, a snug fit, receiving space 40b may comprise one
or more staves 40h provided on peripheral wall 40f and that
protrude slightly into the receiving space to bear against a
closure that is received in the receiving space.
[0035] The second cosmetic component, such as, in the example give
above, a bead material, may comprise a substantially solid granular
state. Thus, second container 40 may comprise a substantially
cylindrical body 40a with a peripheral edge 40i to form a large
opening for easily filling the second container with a granular
material.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a closure of
the second container in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further
portion of a closure of the second container in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention. A closure 40d may be
in the form a lid (a snap-on-cap) that snaps securely over a lip
40j provide in edge 40i. One or more detents 40k may be provided
proximate to edge 40i and one or more matching indents 40l may be
provide on an inner portion of the lid, i.e., closure 40d, to
prevent the lid from unintended rotation relative to the body.
[0037] Closure 40d may comprise a spout 42 disposed in an aperture
40m in the closure. Spout 42 comprises central wall 42a that ends
in a finger portion 42b for lifting the spout. In an unopened
state, the spout rests in aperture 40m and the finger grip rests in
a recess 40n.
[0038] A pair of pins 42c is disposed on a pair of guide walls 42d
that are disposed perpendicular to the central wall to form a
chute. Pins 42c comprise an axle about which the spout is rotatably
opened relative to the closure using the finger grip. A stop 42e is
provided to prevent over-rotation and to limit the size of the
opening of the spout relative to the lid.
[0039] In use, a manufacturer would fill each container with the
respective cosmetic component. Therein, second container 40 is
mounted onto first container 20 to form reduced-packaging system
60. Packaging system 60 would then be placed in further shipping
container such as box, which would be smaller than if each
container was shipped individually, or shrink-wrapped together
using less material than if each container was shrink-wrapped
individually.
[0040] An end user would receive an attractive combined packaging
unit. The packaging unit would take up less space than the combined
space of the individual components. The user would remove the
second container from the first container. Each container comprises
a closure that is adapted to the cosmetic component provided
therein.
[0041] Thus, in the example given herein, a user could dispense the
face wash from first container 20 by toggling the toggle cap open
and wash their face. The user could then add bead material to
exfoliate by opening the spout of the second container and
dispensing the bead material. The amount of bead material is within
the control of consumers, and can be adjusted based upon their own
experience. The containers are provided with instructions for use,
which may include guidance for the amount of each product to be
used alone or in concert. Once finished, the user can then mount
the second container onto the first container and store the
packaging unit.
[0042] Advantageously, the first container and the second container
comprise differently formed bodies that accommodate the cosmetic
components each is designed to store and dispense. For example,
first container 20 may be a 200 ml bottle having soft-sides and
second container 40 may be a hard-sided 1 oz. (28 grams) jar.
[0043] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention, cosmetic system 100 may be user configurable. Therein, a
user could choose from a plurality of cosmetic components for
either the first or the second container or for both. For example,
a user may select from different facial washes for the first
container and/or from a different exfoliating materials for the
second container as desired by the user.
[0044] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the first and second containers are typically sized such
that each has substantially equivalent number of usage portions in
each. Therein, both containers would become empty at the same time
permitting a user to avoid having leftovers. In another embodiment
the cosmetic compositions in the first and second containers may be
sold to the consumer separately for subsequent assembly by the
consumer. One or both of the separately sold products may include
indicia directing the purchaser to purchaser the other product and
may further include instructions for use including assembly. By
separate purchase the consumer would be able to select a particular
cosmetic composition in the first or second from among a variety of
offerings, for example, a cleanser for oily skin or for dry skin,
or an exfoliating beads product for delicate or normal skin.
Separate sale also permits the consumer to replace one of the first
or second containers when the cosmetic compositions in the
packaging system are not used up at the same time.
[0045] A typical cosmetic composition for use in the first
container of the packaging system is an aqueous based cleanser,
typically a cleanser adapted for facial cleansing. The cleanser
thus would contain one or more surfactants, typically including an
anionic surfactant and also generally including a nonionic
surfactant. Among the anionic surfactants mention may be made of
sodium laureth to laureth-12 sulfate and disodium laureth to
laureth-12 sulfosuccinate. Among the nonionic surfactants mention
may be made of laureth-16 to laureth-40, PEG-20 to PEG-80 sorbitan
laurate, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, and ceteareth-1 to
ceteareth-45. An illustrative listing of surfactant cleansers
appears in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and
Handbook, v. 4, Section 4, p. 2955-62 (Ninth Ed. 2002) (hereinafter
"INCI"). The cleanser may further include pH adjusting agents;
viscosity enhancing agents, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants
such as cocoamidopropyl betaine; humectants; emollients; botanicals
to provide skin improvements benefits, for example, oat protein,
banana extract, vanilla planifolia extract, willow extract, etc.;
preservatives; fragrances; chelating agents, and colorants.
[0046] The exfoliating beads contain one or more granular materials
of a size and shape adapted to abrade the skin to gently remove
dead skin cells. Suitable granular materials have an average
particle size of from about 50 to 500 microns, preferably about 75
to about 250 microns, and most preferably from about 75 to 200
microns. The shape is usually irregular, but without sharp
features, but may also be more uniformly ovate, including
spherical. Suitable materials include seeds of plants in powder
form, e.g., apricot seed powder, adzuki seed powder; shells of nuts
in powder form, such as walnut shell powder; synthetic materials
such as polyethylene powder; silica; pumice. Illustrative abrasive
materials suitable for use to exfoliate skin are identified in
INCI, v. 4, Section 4, p. 2878.
[0047] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
* * * * *