U.S. patent application number 14/481418 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-12 for container of single-dose cosmetic products.
The applicant listed for this patent is LUMSON S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Matteo MORETTI.
Application Number | 20150068549 14/481418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49554372 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150068549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORETTI; Matteo |
March 12, 2015 |
CONTAINER OF SINGLE-DOSE COSMETIC PRODUCTS
Abstract
A container of single-dose cosmetic products including an
external vessel formed by a hollow body and a closure adapted to
isolate an internal cavity thereof; a plurality of single-dose
containers containing a cosmetic product, housed in the cavity of
the hollow body, each single-dose container being separately
sealed; the external vessel has a housing adapted to constrain, in
a use position, a single single-dose container.
Inventors: |
MORETTI; Matteo; (Crema
(CR), IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LUMSON S.p.A. |
CAPERGNANICA (CR) |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
49554372 |
Appl. No.: |
14/481418 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/286 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/00 20130101;
A45D 2200/05 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101; A45D 2034/005 20130101;
A45D 40/0087 20130101; A45D 40/22 20130101; A45D 40/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/286 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/22 20060101
A45D040/22; A45D 40/00 20060101 A45D040/00; A45D 40/24 20060101
A45D040/24; A45D 34/00 20060101 A45D034/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 11, 2013 |
IT |
MI2013A001509 |
Claims
1. A container of single-dose cosmetic products comprising an
external vessel formed by: a hollow body and a closure element
adapted to isolate an internal cavity of said hollow body, a
plurality of single-dose containers containing a cosmetic product,
housed in the cavity of the hollow body, each single-dose container
being separately sealed, wherein the external vessel has a housing
adapted to constrain, in a use position, at least one single-dose
container; and said housing is provided at a portion of the
external surface of said vessel.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the external vessel
is provided with a cover adapted to protect the single-dose
container when the single-dose container is constrained in the use
position in the housing for the single-dose container.
3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the hollow body has
means for coupling the closure element to said hollow.
4. The container according to claim 2, wherein the cover is hinged
to the closure element.
5. The container according to claim 1, wherein each single-dose
container is made of a single piece sealed by a film glued
thereto.
6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the single-dose
containers are housed in an intermediate container inserted in the
cavity of the hollow body, the intermediate container allowing the
simultaneous extraction from the cavity of all the single-dose
containers, or the insertion of a reloading of new single-dose
containers.
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the
hollow body has a free edge cooperating with a corresponding groove
made on a lower surface of said single-dose container.
8. The container according to claim 1, wherein each single-dose
container is configured to be stackable.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein said cover has a
portion adapted to press on a portion of said single-dose container
to extract the contents thereof.
10. The container according to claim 1, wherein said cover has a
further housing adapted to constrain the single-dose container in
collaboration with the housing of the closure element, said further
housing having an opening adapted to allow a user to press on the
single-dose container when the single-dose container is constrained
to the external vessel to use the contents thereof.
11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the single-dose
container has a capsule conformation, and said housing and/or said
further housing has a concave part adapted to house a corresponding
part of said capsule, the housing and/or said further housing also
providing a channel adapted to receive a projection of the capsule
from which the product is supplied.
12. The container according to claim 1, wherein said housing is
positioned in a manner to allow a portion of said capsule to
project towards the exterior of the external vessel, in a manner
such that the product supplied from the capsule does not come into
contact with any part of the external vessel or the cover.
13. The container according to claim 3, wherein said closure
element has a first portion provided with a thread coupled with the
thread of the hollow body, and a second portion in which said
housing is present, the first portion and the second portion being
mutually hinged.
14. The container according to claim 1, wherein the housing has
means for retaining the single-dose container in the housing.
15. The container according to claim 1, wherein the hollow body has
means for coupling the closure element to said hollow body, said
coupling means providing for a thread.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No.
MI2013A001509, filed Sep. 11, 2013, incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present finding refers to a container of single-dose
cosmetic products.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Single-dose cosmetic products are widely used on the market.
For example, small single-dose capsules are known that are made of
plastic material and sold by Elizabeth Arden with the name
`Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum`.
[0004] The cosmetic product appears as a container, substantially a
jar, in which a plurality of small loose capsules are housed,
bunched together inside the vessel.
[0005] When a user wishes to use the cosmetic product, he opens the
cover of the vessel and draws a small plastic capsule. The capsule
provides for a head. By twisting the head, the user breaks the neck
of the capsule, which is thus opened. A pressure on the convex body
of the capsule causes the ejection of the product which can thus be
used.
[0006] The known capsules have numerous disadvantages. Indeed, the
use of the capsule is quite inconvenient and it is easy to waste
product or dirty one's hands during the opening, closing or even
during use.
[0007] The application WO 03092784A1 illustrates an applicator for
the application of a spreadable composition for the skin comprising
an element for receiving and carrying a measured dose of the
composition and a grip portion for enabling the user to grip and
manipulate the applicator, in which the grip portion and the
reception element are arranged in a manner such that a user who
holds the applicator by means of the grip portion is protected from
undesired contact with the composition carried by the reception
means. A plurality of applicators are housed in a container, the
user extracts one applicator at a time from the container, then by
using the grip portion of the applicator he uses it; the container
which houses the applicators does not provide for a seat for the
housing of a single applicator when it must be used.
[0008] The prior art solution does not fully meet the needs of the
field of cosmetic products when the latter are contained in
single-dose capsules or applicators, and it does not resolve the
problem of manipulating or using said single-dose capsules or
applicators.
[0009] In addition, once the capsule has been opened, the liquid at
its interior must be used in a single application. Indeed, given
the configuration of the capsule, it cannot remain autonomously
`upright`.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Object of the present finding is to obtain a container of
single-dose cosmetic products which is improved with respect to the
prior art.
[0011] In particular, object of the present invention is to provide
a container for single-dose cosmetic products that facilitates the
easy, convenient use of the cosmetic product.
[0012] These and other objects are achieved by making a container
for single-dose cosmetic products according to the technical
teachings of the enclosed claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the finding will
be evident from the description of a preferred but not exclusive
embodiment of the container, illustrated as a non-limiting example
in the enclosed drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a container according to the
present invention, when in closed position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diameter section view of the container of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is the same view of FIG. 1, but when the container is
open in use position;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diameter section of the container as represented
in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial section of an enlarged detail of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diameter section view of a variant of the
container of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diameter section view of a second variant of the
container of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a simplified diameter section view of a container
according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side view of the container of FIG. 8, when it is
in a use configuration;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front view of the container of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross section of the container of FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross section of a variant of the container of
FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side view in use position of a further variant
of a container according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross section of a detail of the container of
FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a partial section of the container of FIG. 13 in
"non-use" condition;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a schematic view in cross section of a variant of
the container pursuant to FIGS. 13-14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] With reference to the abovementioned figures, a container
for single- dose cosmetic products is shown, indicated overall with
the reference number 1.
[0031] It comprises an external vessel C formed by a hollow body 2
(in jar form in the example) and a closure element 3 adapted to
isolate an internal cavity thereof. In the illustrated embodiment,
the closure element is screwed (on a thread 15) to a neck 4 of the
hollow body.
[0032] The hollow body, in proximity of the neck, has a seat where
a flange 6 is abutted of an internal container 7, preferably made
of a single piece of plastic material.
[0033] The internal container houses a plurality of
mutually-stacked single-dose containers 8. Each single-dose
container 8 substantially has the form of a discoid bottom and is
formed via plastic material molding in a single piece--though of
course it is not required that the single-dose container be of
discoid form, as in this case, and it is not necessary that it be
formed of a single piece. It can in fact assume any form according
to requirements, and can of course be made of one or more pieces;
it contains a cosmetic product 9. The cosmetic product can for
example be a cream, a make-up product, a powder or any other
product housable in the single-dose container. The single-dose
container is sealed by means of a film 10 glued to a surface
thereof. The film can for example be a considerable multilayer and
multi-material film. Of course, it is also possible to provide for
a cover sealed with the container, or any other type of closure,
preferably adapted to seal the single-dose container.
[0034] A certain quantity of cosmetic product is housed in each
single-dose container. In such context, by `single-dose` it must be
intended a lower dose than that usually contained in conventional
cosmetics bottles; hence the quantity of the contents of the
`single-dose` container can be such to be applied also in one or
more applications at the discretion of the final consumer.
[0035] For example, if the cosmetic product is a cream, it is
possible that the dose will be sufficient for the applications of
an entire day.
[0036] As is observed in FIG. 2, the external vessel C has, at an
external portion of its walls (an upper portion in the represented
example), a housing 11 adapted to constrain, in a use position, a
single single-dose container.
[0037] In FIG. 2, a user has arranged a single-dose container 8A in
the housing 11 of the external vessel. Advantageously, as shown in
FIG. 5, the housing provides for means 12 for retaining the
single-dose portion in the housing itself; such retention means are
formed for example by an annular projection 12A which is extended
from the closure element 3 of the hollow body 2.
[0038] The annular projection 12 laterally constrains the
single-dose container 8A which, by virtue of its lower face, is
positioned at the perimeter of the same. In such a manner, the
single-dose container is constrained via fitting with the
container.
[0039] In order to constrain the single-dose container 8A to the
external body, it is also possible to provide for snap connection
means (not represented), made for example on the annular projection
12, and adapted to cooperate with a corresponding suitably shaped
portion, provided in the lower part of the single-dose
container.
[0040] When it is necessary to use the cosmetic product, the user
removes the film 10 from the single-dose container, he positions it
in the housing 11 and uses the cosmetic product that he wishes,
without dirtying and without wasting product.
[0041] If unused cosmetic product remains inside the single-dose
container, the user can decide to close a cover 13 hinged to the
closure element 3, in a manner so as to reuse the product contained
in the single-dose container 8A.
[0042] It is also possible to separate (in this case by unthreading
it) the closure element 3 from the hollow body 2, and use the
closure element and the cover as a travel container, e.g. for using
the cosmetic product during a brief vacation.
[0043] Advantageously, when all of the single-dose containers have
been used, it is possible to extract the intermediate container 7
from the cavity of the body 2, and replace the old intermediate
container with a new one, full of new stacked single-dose
containers.
[0044] Of course, the presence of the intermediate container is
optional, given that the single-dose containers can also be
positioned directly in the cavity of the body 2.
[0045] It is noted that the housing 11 can be connected, directly
or indirectly, to one or more portions of the external surface of
the hollow body 2 of the container C, rather than to the closure
element 3.
[0046] In the example of FIG. 6, the housing 11 is obtained on the
bottom of the container C. Advantageously, an annular projection 12
is provided, adapted to retain single-dose portion 8A, along with a
cover 13, which can be hinged to the bottom of the container C (as
represented in FIG. 6), or screwed thereto.
[0047] In another example, illustrated in FIG. 7, the housing 11 is
arranged at an external portion of the hollow body 2, for example a
flat side wall of the hollow body 2. The annular projection 12 is
directly obtained on the side wall of the hollow body 2. It is
preferable to provide for a cover with shape corresponding to the
rest of the external wall of the hollow body 2. If the hollow body
2 has a cylindrical external wall, it is preferable to provide for
a curved cover (not shown) in a manner such that when it is closed,
the cylindrical form of the external wall of the container C is
preserved.
[0048] According to a non-illustrated variant, the vessel according
to the invention could also provide for a plurality of housings for
the single-dose portions, e.g. a housing like that pursuant to
FIGS. 1-4 and a housing of the type represented in FIGS. 6 and/or
7.
[0049] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown
in FIGS. 8 to 11.
[0050] Hereinbelow, in the present description, the same reference
numbers will be used to indicate parts that are functionally
similar to those already described.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows a container 1 in section, which comprises an
external vessel C formed by a hollow body 2 (with elongated form in
the example) and a closure element 3 adapted to isolate an internal
cavity thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element
is screwed (on a thread 15) or snap-engaged on a neck 4 of the
hollow body by means of a first annular portion 3A thereof, to
which a second portion 3B is hinged which is engaged on the
first.
[0052] The hollow body 2 houses a plurality of single-dose
containers 80 arranged in a loose manner (or in an ordered manner)
at its interior. Each single-dose container 80 is formed via
molding of soft plastic material in a single piece, and contains a
cosmetic product 9. Each single-dose container 80 has a
conformation similar to a capsule, clearly visible in FIG. 9. In
substance, it comprises a deformable portion 80A that contains the
fluid 81; from such portion, a conduit 80B is extended that is
sealed on the top. The conduit serves for supplying the fluid
contained in the single-dose container upon separation of a
terminal portion 80C of the conduit. The rupture is facilitated by
preferential breakage lines 80D.
[0053] Of course, the single-dose container can have a form
different from that just described and it can be made of any
material. It is also possible that the container be made of a
substantially rigid material provided with a soft membrane or with
a deformable part, in order to allow squeezing the contents through
the neck. Thus, in the case of an incomplete use of the contents,
the terminal part 80C can be reused for closing the container.
[0054] The fluid product can for example be a cream, an
anti-wrinkle fluid, a cosmetic oil or another product housable in
the single-dose capsule container.
[0055] In each single-dose container, a certain quantity of
cosmetic product 81 is housed. In such context, by `single-dose` it
must be intended a lower dose than that usually contained in
bottles of conventional cosmetic products--but of course the
quantity of the contents of the `single-dose` container can be such
that the product can also be applied in multiple applications.
[0056] As is observed in FIG. 11, the external vessel C has a
housing 11 adapted to house and constrain, in a use position, a
single single-dose container. The housing is formed by a concave
portion of the closure 3, and specifically of the second part 3B
thereof.
[0057] The concave portion has a configuration corresponding to
part of the convex portion of the capsule. In addition, a channel
25 is present that is adapted to receive the projection 80B of the
capsule, from which the product is supplied.
[0058] The concave portion (and hence the housing) is positioned in
a manner such to allow an end portion of said capsule 80B to
project towards the exterior of the closure or external vessel, in
a manner such that the supplied product does not come into contact
with any part of the external vessel or cover.
[0059] As is seen in FIG. 9, the cover 13 is provided with a
protuberance 28 useful for squeezing the capsule.
[0060] In FIG. 9, a user has arranged a single-dose container 80 in
the housing 11 of the external vessel.
[0061] When it is necessary to use the cosmetic product, the user,
after having previously opened the capsule by breaking the end
portion 80C thereof, closes or lowers the cover 13.
[0062] The protuberance 28 squeezes the capsule that supplies the
product in a convenient, clean manner.
[0063] There is no need for the user to even touch the capsule 80,
thus fully facilitating the ease of use and cleaning.
[0064] Analogous to that said for the container of FIGS. 1 to 7, it
is possible to provide that the housing 11 is connected to the
hollow body 2 of the container C rather than to the closure element
3 of the container C.
[0065] FIG. 12 illustrates, for example, a variant of the container
of FIG. 9; in such variant, the closure 3 is provided on the bottom
of the container C, while the housing 11 is arranged on the upper
part of the container C. Of course, it is possible to provide that
the closure 3 be maintained on the upper part of the hollow body 2,
and that the housing 11 is arranged on the bottom of the hollow
body 2. It is also possible to provide that the housing 11 be
obtained in the side wall of the hollow body 11.
[0066] FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 show an alternative embodiment of
the invention.
[0067] In this case, the cover 13 is not provided with a
protuberance, but rather with a concave part 30 that encloses the
swollen body of the capsule.
[0068] The top of the concave part 30 is open (opening 31) in a
manner so as to allow a user to directly access the capsule 80, by
pressing it.
[0069] Of course, this variant can be applied both when the housing
11 is obtained in the closure 3, and when the housing 11 is
obtained directly in the hollow body 2. In this case, the variant
illustrated in FIG. 12 is particularly suitable, as shown in FIG.
16.
[0070] In any case, though, the capsule is perfectly constrained to
the external body.
* * * * *