U.S. patent application number 14/058596 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for compact case with cake retention pan.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELC Management LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ELC Management LLC. Invention is credited to Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini.
Application Number | 20140166681 14/058596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48869378 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140166681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouix; Herve F. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
Compact Case With Cake Retention Pan
Abstract
A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material.
The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a
pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily
expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan.
The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is
released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size
and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.
Inventors: |
Bouix; Herve F.; (New York,
NY) ; Corbellini; Francis; (Thiais, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELC Management LLC |
Melville |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELC Management LLC
Melville
NY
|
Family ID: |
48869378 |
Appl. No.: |
14/058596 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13361272 |
Jan 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
14058596 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/720 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/40 20130101; B65B
1/20 20130101; A45D 33/006 20130101; A45D 2200/051 20130101; B65B
1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/720 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Claims
1. A pan for receiving a cake of cosmetic composition in a compact,
the cake having a predetermined size, the compact having a rigid
frame with an upright wall having a top rim and a bottom rim, the
upright wall defining an upwardly opening chamber, the pan
dimensioned to be received in the chamber, the pan comprising: a
floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor to a top
end, the floor and the sidewall defining a reservoir with an
upwardly directed opening, the reservoir for receiving and holding
the cake, the pan made of an elastic material and elastically
biased toward the reservoir having a first volume that is smaller
than the predetermined size of the cake, and the pan is adapted to
be expanded by means for expansion such that the reservoir expands
from the first volume to a second volume that is large enough to
permit insertion of the cake into the reservoir, and when the pan
is released from the means for expansion, the reservoir contracts
toward the first volume to securely hold the inserted cake.
2. A pan for holding a cake of cosmetic composition in a cosmetic
compact, the cake having a predetermined size, the pan comprising:
a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor defining a
reservoir with an upwardly directed opening, the reservoir for
receiving and holding the cake; and means for securing the pan in
the cosmetic compact; wherein the pan is made from a shape memory
polymer, the pan has a programmed expanded configuration in which
the reservoir has a volume that is large enough to allow insertion
of the cake having the predetermined size, the pan has a
predetermined contracted configuration in which the reservoir has a
volume that is smaller than the predetermined size of the cake and
the pan changes from the programmed expanded configuration to the
predetermined contracted configuration in response to an external
stimulus applied to the pan subsequent to insertion of the cake in
the reservoir.
3. The pan of claim 2 wherein the external stimulus is a change in
temperature.
4. The pan of claim 3 wherein the change in temperature comprises
one of heat or cold applied to the floor and sidewall.
5. The pan of claim 3 wherein the change in temperature is provided
by at least one of a liquid bath and a gaseous stream.
6. The pan of claim 2 wherein the external stimulus is selected
from at least one of electricity, magnetism, light, radio
frequency, microwave or radiation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional application which
claims priority from U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No.
13/361,272, filed Jan. 30, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The field of the invention is cosmetic packaging and in
particular, cosmetic compacts with a pan for storing and dispensing
pressed-powder, cake-type or solid cosmetics. The pan is
elastomeric and expands to receive the cake during assembly.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,735,482 to Wacker discloses a compact case
with a body, a frame and a pan shaped base carrying cosmetic that
is pressed into the frame. The pan is not elastic. U.S. Pat. No.
4,337,859 to Murphy et al. discloses a compact with a cover and a
casing defining a cavity. The cover is closed and the casing is
inverted to fill the cavity through the bottom. There is no elastic
pan and the cake is formed in the cavity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is a cosmetic compact with a pan having a
reservoir that is temporarily expanded to insert a pre-formed cake
of cosmetic product. The reservoir is elastically biased to a size
that is smaller than a size of the cake. After the cake is
inserted, the reservoir contracts toward the smaller size and thus
traps the cake to securely retain it in the compact. The pan is
made from an elastomeric material. It can be expanded or stretched
by, for example, applying a vacuum to the underside and sidewalls
of the pan. The reservoir is temporarily expanded to a size that is
larger than the cake. After the cosmetic cake is dropped into the
expanded reservoir, the vacuum is released and the pan returns
toward its unexpanded smaller size, thus trapping the cake and
securely retaining it in the pan within the compact.
[0007] There are several advantages to the invention. During
insertion of the cake on the manufacturing filling line, the cake,
which is slightly smaller than the expanded pan, can be dropped
readily into the reservoir and secured in the pan when the vacuum
is released to allow the pan to return to the unexpanded size. The
process is relatively gentle, avoiding product loss or damage such
as scuffing, scratching, cracking or breaking. The amount of force
applied to the cake by the unexpanded pan is selectable, for
example, based on the type and thickness of elastomer, construction
details, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined size of the cosmetic
cake is larger than the smaller initial size of the reservoir in
the pan, so if the cake shrinks over time (due, for example, to
volatile evaporation, loss of solvent or water), the reservoir of
the elastomeric pan shrinks along with the cake to compensate for
any reduction in size of the cake. The elastomeric pan also acts
like a shock absorber. In the preferred embodiment, the pan is
`floating` or suspended with a clearance between it and the outside
walls. A compact with a cake cosmetic secured in the elastomeric
pan is thus able to survive more severe shocks--the ability to
survive drop tests is increased. Also, a flange integrally molded
with and extending from the pan may serve as an elastomeric seal
between the cover and the frame, shell or base of the compact. Any
plan view shape of the pan is possible. For example, the pan with
corresponding reservoir may be round, square, rectangular or any
other suitable shape in plan view. The invention may be used as a
compact pan associated with holding typical cake cosmetics or
personal care products in any form, including solids, pressed
powders, etc., as well as for cup-like holders such as those used
in stick cosmetic, personal care product and lipstick risers to
retain a stick, bar, bullet or pomade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional side elevation view of a first
embodiment of a compact of the present invention with the lid open,
a cake in a position above the elastomeric pan prior to expansion
of the pan;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the compact
shown in FIG. 1 with vacuum applied from below to expand the
reservoir of the pan and the cake partially inserted in the
reservoir;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation view of the compact
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the cake fully inside the reservoir,
the vacuum released and the reservoir contracted towards its
smaller size to trap the cake;
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4C are partial sectional detail views of a second
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial sectional detail view of a third
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional detail view of a fourth
embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation view of an embodiment
of the compact with a closed bottom;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a sectional side elevation view of another
embodiment of a compact of the present invention with a cake in a
position above the elastomeric pan prior to expansion of the pan,
the compact supported on a vacuum table/conveyor;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a sectional side elevation view of the compact
shown in FIG. 8 with vacuum applied from below to expand the
reservoir of the pan and the cake still in a position above the
elastomeric pan prior to insertion, the compact supported on the
vacuum table/conveyor;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation view of the compact
shown in FIG. 8 with vacuum still applied from below to expand the
reservoir of the pan and the cake partially inserted in the
reservoir, the compact supported on the vacuum table/conveyor;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a sectional side elevation view of the compact
shown in FIG. 8 with the cake fully inside the reservoir, the
vacuum released and the reservoir contracted towards its smaller
size to trap the cake, the compact removed from the vacuum
table/conveyor;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
compact shown in FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective, exploded view of the compact shown
in FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
compact of the present invention illustrating a square shape;
and
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective, exploded view of the compact shown
in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a compact 2 is shown for receiving a
cake 4 of cosmetic composition. The cake 4 is shown as a
puck-shaped form, but may alternatively be in the form of a bar,
pomade, stick, block, bullet or other typical cosmetic product
form. In plan view, the cake 4 may be round, oval, square,
rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, octagonal or any other suitable
shape. The cosmetic comprising the cake 4 may be a color cosmetic
(e.g., an eye shadow, lip gloss, lipstick, rouge, foundation,
etc.), a treatment product (e.g., spot remover, self-tanner, etc.),
a moisturizing product (hydrating cream, etc.), a fragrance, or any
other cosmetic or personal care product that can be suitably
provided in cake form. The cake 4 may be a solid, pressed powder,
paste or semi-paste, crystalline, lattice, or other suitable form
that is wax based, wax-free, soap based, etc. The cake 4 has a
predetermined size, i.e., the size determined by the manufacturing
process used to make the cake. The cake 4 may be of the type that
is formed by pressing loose particles with a binder in a mold
cavity, or they may be slurry formed, or emulsions. The final form
may also be achieved by injection molding, caste molding, extruding
and cutting, die cutting, punching or other suitable manufacturing
means and combinations thereof.
[0024] The compact 2 comprises a rigid frame 6 with an upright wall
8 having a top rim 10 and a bottom rim 12. A cover 14 is pivotally
attached to the frame 6 by a hinge 16 such that it can swing from
an open position (shown) allowing access to the contents of the
compact to a closed position (not shown) covering the contents of
the compact. Instead of a hinge, the cover can be attached by snap
fit or cooperating threads, etc. (not shown). The upright wall 8
defines an upwardly opening chamber 18 with a bottom end 42 defined
by the bottom rim 12.
[0025] A pan 20 is provided that is dimensioned to be received in
the chamber 18 with a clearance 34 between the outside of the
portion of the pan in the chamber 18 and the inside of the chamber
18 to allow for expansion of that portion of the pan. The pan has a
floor 22 and a sidewall 24 extending upwardly from the floor 22 to
a top end 26. The floor 22 and the sidewall 24 define a reservoir
28 with an upwardly directed opening 30 at the top end 26. The
reservoir 28 is adapted for receiving and holding the cake 4. The
pan 20 is made from an elastic material and is elastically biased
toward the reservoir 28 having a first volume that is smaller than
the predetermined size of the cake 4. The pan 20 is further adapted
to be expanded by means for expansion such that the reservoir 28
expands from the first volume to a second volume that is large
enough to permit insertion of the predetermined size of the cake
into the reservoir. When the pan 20 is released from the means for
expansion, the reservoir 28 contracts toward the first volume,
causing it capture and securely hold or grasp the inserted cake
4.
[0026] A horizontal flange 32 integrally formed with and extending
outwardly from the top end 26 of the sidewall 24 is secured to the
top rim 10 of the frame 6. In this way, the pan 20 is secured in
the chamber 18 of the frame 6 such that the clearance 34 is defined
at least between the upright wall 8 of the frame 6 and the sidewall
24 of the pan 20. Preferably, the clearance 34 also extends below
the floor 22 of the pan 20. The clearance 34 is of sufficient size
to accommodate expansion at least of the reservoir portion of the
pan 20 to the second volume of the reservoir 28.
[0027] The means for expansion may be mechanical means, such as,
for example, an expander or a spreader with `shoe-horn` type blades
(not shown) inserted temporarily into the reservoir to mechanically
expand the reservoir. Alternatively, the mechanical means may
comprise an external structure (not shown) of the pan 20 that can
be pulled outwardly, such as, for example, outwardly directed tabs,
rims, studs, hooks, loops or other devices.
[0028] As another alternative, the means for expansion may comprise
the cake itself, wherein force-fitting the cake into the reservoir
expands the reservoir sufficiently to seat the cake in the
reservoir.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the flange 32 is integrally
formed with and extends outwardly from the top end 26 of the
sidewall 24 and is hermetically secured to the top rim 10 of the
frame 6. The means for expansion is vacuum applied to the chamber
18 through the open bottom 42 of the frame 6. The vacuum applied to
the chamber 18 causes the pan 20 to expand within the chamber 18,
and in particular into the clearance 34, to the second volume that
is large enough to permit insertion of the predetermined size of
the cake into the reservoir.
[0030] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the flange 32 forms a
hermetic seal with the top rim 10 of the frame 6, and a bottom wall
36 is hermetically secured to the bottom rim 12 of the frame 6 such
that chamber 18 is closed at the bottom end by wall 36 and closed
at the top by the pan 20. Vacuum is applied (as indicated by
directional arrow 40) to the chamber 18 through a port 38 in the
frame 6. The vacuum causes the reservoir portion of the pan 20 to
expand into and temporarily at least partially occupy clearance 34
(as shown in FIG. 1) while the cake 4 is inserted in the reservoir
28.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flange
32 forms a hermetic seal with the top rim 10 of the frame 6, and
the frame 6 has the open bottom 42 (as best seen in FIG. 3) and the
bottom rim 12 is adapted to be temporarily sealed against a vacuum
source 44. The vacuum source 44 may include, for example, a vacuum
table or a vacuum conveyor belt 50 with one or more bores 48
providing fluid communication between a vacuum source below the
table or conveyor (as indicated by directional arrows 46 in FIG. 2)
and chamber 18 in the frame 6. In FIG. 1, the bottom rim 12 of
frame 6 is in sealing contact with the surface 52 of the vacuum
source 44, but the vacuum has not yet been applied. The pan 20 is
still in its fully contracted state wherein the first volume of the
reservoir 28 is smaller than the predetermined size of the cake 4.
Clearance 34 can clearly be seen below and to the sides of the pan
20. FIG. 2 illustrates the pan 20 while vacuum is being applied to
the chamber 18 through bores 48. The reservoir portion of the pan
20 has expanded such that the reservoir 28 has enlarged from the
first volume smaller than the cake 4 to a second volume that is
large enough to permit insertion of the predetermined size of the
cake 4 into the reservoir 28. The cake 4 is illustrated as
partially positioned in the enlarged reservoir 28 as it is being
lowered to its final position. The bottom and sidewall of the pan
have been drawn downwardly and outwardly, respectively, into the
clearance 34 by the application of vacuum to chamber 18. Finally,
FIG. 3 illustrates the pan 20 in its final intended state with the
cake 4 fully inserted in the reservoir 28, the compact is released
from the application of vacuum and the reservoir 28 has contracted
toward the first volume to securely grasp and hold the cake 4 in
the pan. The clearance 34 appears again to a lesser extent than in
FIG. 1 as the clearance is partially occupied by the dimension of
the cake which is slightly larger than the first volume of the
reservoir.
[0032] As the clearance 34 is at least partially restored after
release of the application of vacuum, the pan 20 containing the
cake 4 `floats` or is suspended on flange 32, which is made of the
same elastomeric material as the rest of the pan. This arrangement
provides a cushioning or shock absorbing effect that protects the
cake 4 from damage in the form of cracks or breakage.
[0033] While the cake 4 is illustrated as being inserted in the
reservoir 28 in `naked` form, i.e., free of a supporting metal,
paper or rigid plastic plate, dish, tray or pan such as that
typically found in compacts, it should be apparent that a cake
supported in or on a metal, paper or rigid plastic plate, dish,
tray or pan can similarly be inserted in the reservoir of the
elastomeric pan of the present invention. In fact the invention can
be adapted to an existing compact to improve manufacturing,
potentially minimize parts (e.g., by eliminating the metal or rigid
plastic pan), minimize waste due to damage during manufacture and
improve durability in shipping and in use by improving shock
resistance. The invention further eliminates the need for glue to
secure to the compact case a naked cake, or a metal, paper or rigid
plastic plate, dish, tray or pan containing a cake, because the pan
20 is secured to the frame 6 by the flange 32, and because in a
contracted state the pan 20 firmly grasps the cake 4, either naked
or supported in a plate, dish, tray or pan. By eliminating the need
for glue to retain the cake, the present invention significantly
streamlines and improves the assembly process by eliminating the
step of applying glue, and eliminating the associated costly glue
applying equipment and processes (e.g., handling, clean-up and
maintenance of the glue and equipment).
[0034] The frame 6 is preferably made of a substantially rigid and
impermeable material, such as, for example, a rigid plastic. One
example of a suitable rigid plastic is polypropylene, although
other plastics may be suitable. The pan 20 is preferably made from
a suitable elastomeric material such as, for example, a
thermoplastic elastomer such as Santoprene (a registered trademark
of Exxon Mobil). The frame 6 and or pan 20 can be molded from their
respective suitable materials by conventional molding processes
such as injection molding.
[0035] The pan 20 can be assembled to the frame 6 after each has
been molded separately by hermetically securing the flange 32 to
the top rim 10 of the frame 6 by, for example, at least one of
welding, cementing, staking, friction fit or snap fit.
Alternatively, the pan 20 and frame 6 can be molded together by,
for example, bi-injection molding or over-molding if the materials
are selected for compatibility for such molding. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-3, after assembly of the parts and insertion of
the cake, a bottom panel 36 can be added as shown in FIG. 7 with
respect to another embodiment.
[0036] A skirt 54 may depend from an outer edge of the flange 32.
The top end 26 of the sidewall 24 may thus be secured to the top
rim 10 of the frame 6 by at least one of the flange 32 or the skirt
54 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. A bead 56 may project inwardly from
a bottom end of the skirt 54. The top end of the sidewall 24 may
thus be secured to the top rim 10 of the frame 6 by at least one of
the flange 32, the skirt 54 or the bead 56, or the combination
thereof. The skirt 54, or the skirt 54 and bead 56 combined, allow
the pan 20 to be snap fit on a shoulder 58 on an outer perimeter of
the top rim 10. To better effect the vacuum expansion of the
reservoir portion of the pan 20, preferably at least one of the
flange 32, the skirt 54 or the bead 56 seals hermetically to the
top rim 10 of the frame 6 at least when the vacuum is applied to
chamber 18.
[0037] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the top end 26 of
the sidewall of the pan 20 can be attached to the top rim 10 of the
frame 6 by securing the flange 32 and/or the skirt 54 to a top or
an inner surface of the upright wall 8 of frame 6. The flange 32
and/or skirt 54 can be secured to the wall 8 by welding, cementing,
staking or friction fit. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how shoulder 58
on the outer perimeter of the top rim 10 provides cooperative
structure to receive flange 32, skirt 54 and bead 56 in snap-fit
engagement. FIG. 6 illustrates a groove 59 for receiving bead
56.
[0038] The flange 32 and/or the skirt 54 may be adapted to form a
seal between the pan 20 and the cover 14 when the cover 14 is in
the closed position.
[0039] The invention is also directed to a method for securing a
cake of cosmetic product in a compact case. The case has a frame
defining a chamber. The cake has a predetermined size. The method
comprises a first step of providing an elastomeric pan in the
chamber in the case. The pan has a floor and a sidewall defining a
cake retention reservoir biased toward a first volume smaller than
the predetermined size of the cake. The pan is adapted such that
the reservoir is expandable to a second volume that is large enough
to permit insertion of the cake into the reservoir. The method
further comprises the step of providing means for expanding the
elastomeric pan from the first volume to the second volume, and
subsequently using the means for expanding to expand the
elastomeric pan from the first volume to the second volume. The
next step is inserting the cake into the reservoir. The final step
is releasing the pan from the means for expanding, wherein the
reservoir contracts toward the first volume to securely hold the
inserted cake.
[0040] The invention is also directed to a compact for receiving a
cake of cosmetic composition having a predetermined size as
described above with a rigid frame and a pan wherein means for
securing the pan to the frame other than a flange are provided. The
compact comprises a rigid frame with an upright wall having a top
rim and a bottom rim. The upright wall defines an upwardly opening
chamber. A pan is provided that is dimensioned to be received in
the chamber. The pan has a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly
from the floor to a top end. The floor and the sidewall define a
reservoir with an upwardly directed opening. The reservoir is
adapted for receiving and holding the cake. The pan is made of an
elastic material and is elastically biased toward the reservoir
having a first volume that is smaller than the predetermined size
of the cake. The pan is adapted to be expanded by means for
expansion such that the reservoir expands from the first volume to
a second volume that is large enough to permit insertion of the
cake into the reservoir. The pan is subsequently released from the
means for expansion to allow the reservoir to contract toward the
first volume to securely trap and hold the inserted cake. Means are
provided for securing the pan to the frame in the chamber such that
a clearance is defined at least between the frame and the sidewall
sufficient to accommodate expansion of the pan to the second volume
of the reservoir. The means for securing may comprise a flange
extending outwardly from the pan to the frame as described in more
detail above. The flange may extend from the sidewall to the
upright wall. The flange may extend from the top end of the
sidewall to the top rim of the upright wall. Alternatively, the
flange may extend from any point on the sidewall of the pan between
the top end and the bottom to any point on the upright wall of the
frame between the top rim and the bottom rim. As an alternative to
a flange or in combination with a flange, the means for securing
may be at least one of a stud, a rib, a beam, an arm, a web and a
strut.
[0041] The invention is also directed to a pan for receiving a cake
of cosmetic composition in a compact. The cake has a predetermined
size. The compact has a rigid frame with an upright wall having a
top rim and a bottom rim. The upright wall defines an upwardly
opening chamber. The pan is dimensioned to be received in the
chamber. The pan comprises a floor and a sidewall extending
upwardly from the floor to a top end. The floor and the sidewall
define a reservoir with an upwardly directed opening. The reservoir
is adapted for receiving and holding the cake. The pan is made of
an elastic material. The pan is elastically biased toward the
reservoir having a first volume that is smaller than the
predetermined size of the cake. The pan is adapted to be expanded
by means for expansion such that the reservoir expands from the
first volume to a second volume that is large enough to permit
insertion of the cake into the reservoir. When the pan is released
from the means for expansion, the reservoir contracts toward the
first volume to securely trap, hold and retain the inserted
cake.
[0042] The invention is also directed to a pan for holding a cake
of cosmetic composition in a cosmetic compact. The cake has a
predetermined size. The pan comprises a floor and a sidewall
extending upwardly from the floor defining a reservoir with an
upwardly directed opening. The reservoir is for receiving and
holding the cake. Means are provided for securing the pan in the
cosmetic compact. The pan is made from a shape memory polymer. The
pan has a programmed expanded configuration in which the reservoir
has a volume that is large enough to allow insertion of the cake
having the predetermined size. The pan has a predetermined
contracted configuration in which the reservoir has a volume that
is smaller than the predetermined size of the cake. The pan changes
from the programmed expanded configuration to the predetermined
contracted configuration in response to an external stimulus
applied to the pan subsequent to insertion of the cake in the
reservoir. When the pan changes to the predetermined contracted
configuration with a cake positioned in the reservoir, the cake is
securely trapped and held by the contracted reservoir. The external
stimulus may be a change in temperature, as used, for example, with
shrink-wrap. The change in temperature may comprise one of heat or
cold applied to the floor and/or sidewall of the pan. The change in
temperature may be provided by at least one of a liquid bath or a
gaseous stream, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the
external stimulus may be selected from at least one or a
combination of electricity, magnetism, light, radio frequency,
microwave or radiation. For example, microwave energy may be
applied to the pan to cause the pan to shift from the programmed
expanded configuration to the predetermined contracted
configuration after inserting a cake in the reservoir. In this way,
the cake is trapped and held in the contracted configuration of the
pan reservoir.
[0043] FIGS. 8-13 show another embodiment of the present invention
wherein a compact 102 is round in plan view (see FIGS. 12-13).
Compact 102 has a rigid frame 106 and pan 120 similar to frame 6
and pan 20 described above. The frame 106 and pan 120 are enclosed
in an outer shell 60. A cover 114 (see FIGS. 12-13) is pivotally
attached to the shell 60 rather than to the frame 106. The cover
114 is attached to the shell 60 by a hinge 116 such that it can
swing from an open position (shown) allowing access to the contents
of the compact to a closed position (not shown) covering the
contents of the compact. Instead of a hinge, the cover can be
attached by snap fit or cooperating threads, etc. (not shown).
[0044] The shell 60 provides a protective and/or decorative housing
for the frame 106. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, an upper end 64 of the
shell 60 may have an inwardly directed lip 66 that partially or
entirely covers an outwardly directed flange 132 of the pan 120.
The frame 106 has an upright wall 108 with a top rim 110. The
upright wall 108 defines an upwardly opening chamber 118 with a
bottom end 119. A bottom wall 78 closes the bottom end 119. The
bottom wall 78 is adapted to be hermetically sealed selectively
against a vacuum source 44. A vacuum port 80 is provided in the
bottom wall 78 (but it may be provided in the side wall 108 as
described above). In this embodiment, the flange 132 on the pan 120
has a depending skirt 154. The skirt 154 has an outwardly directed
bead 68. The flange 132 and skirt 154 contact the top rim 110 of
the frame 106. The shell may have an internal bearing structure 70
that is complementary in shape and dimensions to the shape and
dimensions of the flange 132, skirt 154 and outwardly directed bead
68 such that the bearing structure forms a hermetic seal with at
least one of the flange 132, skirt 154 or bead 68 when the shell 60
is secured to the frame 106. The frame 106 may be attached to the
shell 60 by welding, adhering, staking, friction fit, snap fit or
any other suitable means for attaching, including, if required,
with fasteners such as rivets, pins or screws. For example, as
illustrated, an outwardly directed circumferential upper rib 72 and
an outwardly directed circumferential lower rib 74 extend from the
upright wall 108 of the frame 106 to contact an inner surface 76 of
the shell 60. At least one or both of the upper rib 72 and lower
rib 74 may be secured to the inner surface 76 of the shell 60 by,
for example, welding, adhering, staking, friction fit, press fit,
snap fit or any other suitable means for attaching, including if
required with fasteners such as rivets, pins or screws.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-13, the flange 132
(and/or alternatively, the skirt 154 and/or the bead 68) forms a
hermetic seal with the top rim 110 of the frame 106. As noted
above, the vacuum source 44 may include, for example, a vacuum
applied through a vacuum bore 62 in a table or conveyor belt 150 in
fluid communication with the vacuum source 44 (e.g., illustrated as
being below the table or conveyor as indicated by directional
arrows 146 in FIGS. 8-10). A clearance 134 is provided between the
sidewall 124 of the pan 120 and the upright wall 108 of the frame
106, as well as between the floor 122 of the pan 120 and the bottom
wall 78 of the frame 106. The vacuum port 80 in the bottom wall 78
provides fluid communication between the chamber 118 in the frame
106 and the vacuum source 44 by way of the bore 62 in the vacuum
table or conveyor 150.
[0046] In FIG. 8, the bottom wall 78 of frame 106 is in sealing
contact with a surface 152 of the vacuum table 150, but the vacuum
has not yet been applied. The pan 120 is still in its fully
contracted state wherein the first volume of the reservoir 128 is
smaller than the predetermined size of the cake 4. Clearance 134
can clearly be seen below and to the sides of the pan 120. FIG. 9
illustrates the pan 120 while vacuum is being fully applied to the
chamber 118 through vacuum port 80 in bottom wall 78 and bore 62 in
table 150. The reservoir portion of the pan 120 has expanded such
that the reservoir 128 has enlarged from the first volume smaller
than the cake 4 to a second volume that is large enough to permit
insertion of the predetermined size of the cake 4 into the
reservoir 128. The floor 122 and sidewall 124 of the pan have been
drawn outwardly by the vacuum to occupy the clearance 34. The cake
4 is positioned above the expanded reservoir 128, about to be
inserted. FIG. 10 illustrates the pan 120 while vacuum is being
fully applied to the chamber 118 through vacuum port 80 via bore
62, with the cake 4 illustrated as nearly fully inserted in the
enlarged reservoir 128 as the cake 4 is being lowered to its final
position. Finally, FIG. 11 illustrates the pan 120 in its final
state after the cake 4 is fully inserted in the reservoir 128, the
pan 120 is released from the application of vacuum and the
reservoir 128 has contracted toward the relatively smaller first
volume to securely grasp and hold the cake 4 in the pan 120. The
clearance 134 appears again to a lesser extent than in FIG. 8 as
the clearance 134 is partially occupied by the dimension of the
cake 4 which is slightly larger than the first volume of the
reservoir 128.
[0047] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-13, vacuum channels 82
are provided on the inner surfaces of the upright wall 108 of the
frame 106 and the bottom wall 78 of the frame 106 (see also FIGS.
12-13). The vacuum channels 82 improve the evacuation of air from
the chamber 118 when vacuum is applied through the vacuum port 62,
and improve the return of air when the vacuum is released. This in
turn ensures that the pan 120 will expand more quickly and to a
sufficiently enlarged state when vacuum is applied, and also
ensures quick and efficient return of air when the vacuum is
released to allow contraction of the reservoir 128 around the cake
4. This improves the manufacturing cycle time for insertion of the
cake into the pan.
[0048] As described above with reference to another embodiment, the
pan 120 can be assembled to the frame 106 after each has been
molded separately by hermetically securing the flange 132 to the
top rim 110 of the frame 106 by, for example, at least one of
welding, cementing, staking, friction fit or snap fit. The shell 60
can then be secured to the frame as described above. Alternatively,
the pan 120 can be molded together with one or both of the frame
106 and shell 60 by, for example, bi-injection molding or
over-molding if the materials are selected for compatibility for
such molding.
[0049] FIGS. 14-15 illustrate an embodiment that is square in plan
view but that is otherwise similar to the round plan version shown
in FIGS. 8-13. The square embodiment in FIGS. 14-15 includes a
compact 202 having a rigid frame 206 and an elastic pan 220 similar
to frame 6 and pan 20 described above. The frame 206 and pan 220
are enclosed in an outer shell 260. A cover 214 is pivotally
attached to the shell 260 rather than to the frame 206. The cover
214 is attached to the shell 260 by a hinge 216 such that it can
swing from an open position (shown) allowing access to the contents
of the compact to a closed position (not shown) covering the
contents of the compact. Instead of a hinge, the cover can be
attached by snap fit or cooperating threads, etc. (not shown). The
shell 260 provides a protective and/or decorative housing for the
frame 206. As shown in FIG. 15, the pan 220 has an outwardly
directed flange 232. The frame 206 has an upright wall 208 with a
top rim 210. The upright wall 208 defines an upwardly opening
chamber 218. A bottom wall 278 closes the bottom end of the chamber
218. The bottom wall 278 includes a vacuum port 280 adapted to be
connected to a vacuum source. Alternatively, a vacuum port may be
provided in the side wall as described above. The flange 232 on the
pan 220 has a depending skirt 254. The skirt 254 has an outwardly
directed bead 268. When the frame 206 and pan 220 are assembled,
the flange 232 and skirt 254 contact the top rim 210 of the frame
206. A hermetic seal is formed with at least one of the flange 232,
skirt 254 or bead 268 when the shell 260 is secured to the frame
206. The frame 206 may be attached to the shell 260 by welding,
adhering, staking, friction fit, snap fit or any other suitable
means for attaching, including, if required, with fasteners such as
rivets, pins or screws. The frame 206 includes one or more vacuum
channels 282 on inner surfaces of the frame to facilitate
application and release of vacuum to the pan 220.
[0050] While the invention has been described and illustrated as
embodied in preferred forms of construction, it will be understood
that various modifications may be made in the structure and
arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention recited in the following claims.
* * * * *