U.S. patent application number 17/015138 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-18 for cosmetic palette and godets therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toly Management Ltd.. Invention is credited to James Attard Kingswell, Nadia Maniscalco, Brian McNamara, Philippe Parker.
Application Number | 20210076805 17/015138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005091948 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210076805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker; Philippe ; et
al. |
March 18, 2021 |
COSMETIC PALETTE AND GODETS THEREFOR
Abstract
A cosmetic palette including a palette base having a smooth
surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat
bottom disposed on the smooth surface, and a patch of micro-suction
fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the
godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth
surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the palette base
surface by micro-suction provided by the patch enabling the godet
to be selectively positionable on the smooth surface, and wherein
the force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater
than that required to separate the patch from the smooth surface.
The palette may have a plurality of cosmetic-containing godets with
flat bottoms and a corresponding plurality of micro-suction
fastener material patches respectively attached to the bottoms of
the godets and securing the godets to the smooth surface. The
smooth surface may be a mirror surface.
Inventors: |
Parker; Philippe; (Hal
Attard, MT) ; Kingswell; James Attard; (St. Julians,
MT) ; McNamara; Brian; (Mosta, MT) ;
Maniscalco; Nadia; (Gudja, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toly Management Ltd. |
Zejtun ZTN |
|
MT |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005091948 |
Appl. No.: |
17/015138 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62901726 |
Sep 17, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/32 20130101;
A45D 33/24 20130101; A45D 40/0068 20130101; A45D 33/008 20130101;
A45D 40/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20060101
A45D040/24; A45D 33/24 20060101 A45D033/24; A45D 33/32 20060101
A45D033/32; A45D 33/00 20060101 A45D033/00; A45D 40/00 20060101
A45D040/00 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette base having a smooth
supporting surface; at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a
flat bottom disposed on the supporting surface; and a patch of
micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the
bottom of said one godet and an opposed micro-suction surface
engaging the supporting surface, wherein the godet is removably
secured to the supporting surface by micro-suction provided by the
fastener material patch, and wherein an adhesive force required to
separate the fastener material patch from the godet is greater than
a pull-off force required to separate the fastener material patch
from the smooth supporting surface.
2. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, comprising a plurality of
cosmetic containing godets with flat bottoms and a corresponding
plurality of micro-suction fastener material patches respectively
attached to the bottoms of the godets and securing the godets to
the supporting surface.
3. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the smooth supporting
surface of the palette comprises one or more mirrors.
4. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the micro-suction
fastener material patch covers only a portion of the facing
surfaces of the godet and the supporting surface, with the area of
the patch being selected to adjust the pull-off force.
5. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the adhesive properties
of one or more areas of the micro-suction fastener material are
reduced or eliminated by laser etching.
6. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the godet further
comprises a protective lid, wherein the protective lid is removably
attached with the godet and wherein a removal force of the
protective lid is less than the pull-off force.
7. The cosmetic palette of claim 6, wherein the protective lid is
attached with the godet by ultrasonic welding.
8. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the patch covers less
than the whole of the flat bottom, wherein the patch has a
thickness, wherein a portion of the flat bottom not covered by the
patch is separated from the supporting surface by the thickness,
and wherein a force applied on the godet opposite the portion of
the flat bottom not covered by the patch leverages the patch away
from the supporting surface.
9. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, further comprising an
accessory, wherein the accessory comprises: a base; a functional
structure on an upper part of the base; and a flat bottom surface
on a bottom of the base; and a further patch of micro-suction
fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the
base and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the supporting
surface.
10. The cosmetic palette of claim 9, wherein the accessory is a
light source, a tool holder, or a jar adapted to contain a liquid
or semi-liquid material.
11. A godet for holding a cosmetic material comprising: a
container, including a planar bottom surface; a patch of
micro-suction fastener material comprising an attachment surface
and a micro-suction surface, the micro-suction surface adapted to
engage a smooth supporting surface; and a joining layer comprising
a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is affixed
to the planar bottom surface and the second side is affixed to the
attachment surface, wherein the joining layer connects the
micro-suction material patch to the planar bottom surface, wherein
a peel force is required to separate the planar bottom surface from
the patch, and wherein an area of the micro-suction surface is
selected such that a pull-off force required to remove the godet
from the smooth supporting surface is less than the peel force.
12. The godet of claim 11, wherein the joining layer comprises one
or more of a chemical adhesive, an adhesive tape, an ultrasonic
weld, and a label.
13. The godet of claim 11, wherein the bottom planar surface is
circular and the patch is an annular ring concentric with the
circular surface.
14. The godet of claim 11, wherein a portion of the area of the
micro-suction surface is laser-etched.
15. The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective lid
disposed over an opening of the container opposite the bottom
surface, wherein the protective lid is removeable from the
container by applying a removal force and wherein the removal force
is less than the pull-off force.
16. The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective layer
disposed on the micro-suction surface, wherein the protective layer
seals the micro-suction surface and wherein the protective layer is
adapted to be peeled from the micro-suction surface to allow the
micro-suction surface to engage the smooth supporting surface.
17. The godet of claim 11, wherein the container is formed from a
non-ferromagnetic material.
18. The godet of claim 11, further comprising an outer packaging,
the outer packaging comprising a package body and a package lid,
wherein the package body comprises a cavity shaped to hold the
container, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
cavity is smooth, and wherein the micro-suction surface engages
with the bottom surface of the cavity to hold the godet in the
cavity.
19. The godet of claim 18, wherein the outer package further
comprises an opening through a bottom wall of the package body,
wherein a bottom face of the godet is accessible through the
opening and wherein pressure applied to the bottom face through the
opening disengages the micro-suction surface from the bottom
surface of the cavity.
20. A compact system including a plurality of compacts, each having
a smooth supporting surface for holding one or more of the godets
of claim 11.
21. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette base having a planar
supporting surface; at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a
smooth flat bottom disposed on the palette base surface; and a
sheet of micro-suction fastener material having one surface
attached to the planar supporting surface and an opposed
micro-suction surface engaging the smooth flat bottom of the godet,
wherein the sheet at least partially covers the supporting surface,
wherein the godet is removably secured to the micro-suction surface
of the fastener material sheet, and wherein an adhesive force
required to separate the fastener material sheet from the
supporting surface is greater than a pull-off force required to
separate the smooth bottom surface of the godet from the
micro-suction surface.
22. The cosmetic palette of claim 21, wherein the bottom surface of
the godet comprises at least one raised smooth surface and at least
one recessed surface, wherein the raised smooth surface contacts
the micro-suction surface to secure the godet.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/901,726, filed on
Sep. 17, 2019. The disclosure of that application is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a cosmetic palette having a smooth
surface with one or more cosmetic-containing godets removably
secured thereon, and to godets for the palette. The godets are
selectively positionable on the smooth surface and are
interchangeable and replaceable.
[0003] In the art of cosmetic packaging, it is known to provide a
cosmetic palette bearing, on a supporting surface, a plurality of
small containers respectively holding different cosmetic materials
such as pressed powders or other suitable cosmetic formulations.
The palette may be a portable cosmetic compact case, including a
rigid tray as the supporting surface and a hinged or other lid to
cover and protect the cosmetic materials; the containers are open
so that when the palette is exposed, the user can pick up
quantities of the materials, e.g. with applicators, for delivery to
areas of the face. These containers may be shallow, substantially
flat-bottomed pans known as cosmetic godet pans (herein "godets")
attached to the support surface. Advantageously, they are removable
and replaceable to enable the user to select particular cosmetics
for inclusion on the palette and to resupply depleted cosmetics as
well as to locate the selected godets on the supporting surface in
any desired arrangement.
[0004] Heretofore, removable godets have typically been held on
supporting surfaces of cosmetic palettes magnetically, or by small
flexible hook-and-loop fasteners of the type commercially available
under the trade name "VELCRO.RTM." fasteners. Magnetic attachment
of godets to the supporting surface requires the presence of a
magnet in the palette and use of magnetic materials in the godets,
while hook-and-loop fasteners require complete coverage of the
support surface with hook- or loop-bearing fabric and patches of
the complementary (i.e., loop- or hook-bearing) fabric on the
bottom of each godet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic
palette having removable, replaceable and selectively positionable
godets without resort to magnetic or hook-and-loop attachment.
Another object is to provide godets for such a palette.
[0006] To these and other ends, the present invention broadly
embraces a cosmetic palette comprising a palette base having a
smooth supporting surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet
having a flat bottom surface disposed on the palette base surface,
and a piece of micro-suction fastener material sheet interposed
between them, the fastener material sheet having at least one
micro-suction surface attached to one of the smooth palette base
surface and the godet bottom surface and also having an opposed
major surface attached to the other of the smooth palette base
surface and the godet bottom surface, such that the godet is
removably secured to the smooth palette base surface by
micro-suction provided by the fastener material.
[0007] In important aspects, the invention is particularly directed
to such a palette wherein the piece of micro-suction fastener
material sheet is a patch of micro-suction fastener material having
one surface attached to the bottom of the aforesaid one godet and
an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth palette base
surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the smooth
palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener
material patch, enabling the godet to be selectively positioned at
any desired location on the palette base surface, and wherein the
force required to separate the fastener material patch from the
godet is greater than the force (pull-off force) required to
separate the fastener material patch from the smooth palette base
surface. The palette may include a plurality of the
cosmetic-containing godets and a corresponding plurality of
micro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to
the bottoms of the godets and removably securing the godets to the
palette base surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing.
[0008] The base of the palette may be a substantially rigid panel
or tray with a smooth inner supporting surface, and if the palette
is a portable compact case, a lid may be hingedly or otherwise
arranged to cover and protect the smooth surface together with the
attached godet or godets when the palette is not being actively
employed for application of cosmetics. Alternatively, the palette
base may be a panel of relatively large size, with or without a lid
or cover, e.g. for home use.
[0009] The term "micro-suction fastener material" is employed
herein to refer to a generally sheet-like fastening product, thin
and usually flexible, conveniently a plastic sheet and frequently
though not necessarily in the form of a tape, having one surface
that can be attached to an article (here, a godet) and an opposed
surface (micro-suction surface) bearing a multiplicity of
micro-suction cups for adherently securing the article (godet) to a
smooth surface, for example a flat surface of a rigid panel or
tray. Typically, the micro-suction fastening material (sometimes
referred to as "nano-suction material) is of a polyurethane
formulation with a major surface or surfaces having myriad randomly
arranged tiny open bubbles constituting the micro-suction cups. The
securing of the micro-suction fastener material surface to the
smooth surface of the panel or tray is non-adhesive, in the sense
that there is no adhesive composition between the micro-suction
surface and the smooth surface, hence no adhesive residue left on
the smooth surface when the fastener material is removed. Instead,
compression of the micro-suction material displaces air from the
cups. The resilient expansion of the polyurethane material creates
a partial vacuum inside cups pressed against the smooth surface,
removably adhering the material to the smooth surface. The material
is removed from the surface by applying a force sufficient to break
the vacuum. The micro-suction fastener material patch is attached,
for example, by an adhesive substance such as a pressure sensitive
double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of a chemical adhesive, by
ultrasonic welding, or other techniques known in the field of the
disclosure to the godet, directly or indirectly. The technique for
attachment to the godet is selected such that the force required to
separate the micro-suction fastener material from the godet is
greater than the pull-off force which is effective to separate the
micro-suction surface from the smooth surface of the palette; the
strength of the pull-off force depends on the area of the
micro-suction surface of the patch engaging the palette surface. To
this end, the micro-suction fastener material tape may bear, on one
of its major surfaces, a double-sided adhesive tape which adheres
both to the micro-suction tape and to the godet more strongly than
the exposed micro-suction surface adheres to the smooth surface of
the palette base; such combined micro-suction and double-sided
adhesive tapes are currently commercially available.
[0010] The fastener material patch can be re-used repeatedly for
re-attaching its associated godet to a smooth surface of a palette
base, or to another surface as mentioned below; when separated from
such a surface, it leaves no residue, and its adherent property can
be restored, if and when necessary, by cleaning the micro-suction
surface.
[0011] The invention in particular embodiments contemplates a
palette as described above wherein the pallet base comprises a
mirror and the smooth surface is a mirror surface. The (or each)
godet is secured by a micro-suction fastener material patch to this
mirror surface. The palette or compact may have plural mirrored
surfaces giving users multiple perspectives and flexibility in
applying cosmetics from the palette. In addition to the godet(s),
tools (such as magnifying mirrors of various levels, applicators,
pencils, lights and internal compartments) may be provided on the
palette and may also be attached to the smooth surface of the
palette base by patches of micro-suction fastener material.
[0012] Each godet may have a micro-suction fastener material patch
covering a selected bottom portion of the godet and having a
micro-suction surface area, for attachment to the smooth surface of
the palette base, selected to provide a predetermined pull-off
force. According to some embodiments, the patch does not extend
outwardly beyond the periphery of the godet bottom. In addition,
each godet may include a removable (e.g. peelable) individual
protective lid for initially protecting the cosmetic material
contained in the godet; the removable protective godet lid, which
may be a cardboard or plastic layer adhered to the lip of the godet
(by ultrasonic welding, for example), enables the user to firmly
press the center of the godet to affix it to the palette/compact
smooth surface without touching the cosmetic (at least in the first
instance). Once the godet is affixed to the palette/compact, the
protective lid is peeled from the godet, exposing the cosmetic
material. The micro-suction securing force (pull-off force) between
the godet and the palette/compact is made greater than the force
required to peel the protective lid from the godet, the strength of
this securing force being adjusted by appropriate selection of the
micro-suction fastener material patch surface area.
[0013] The micro-suction fastener material patch for the (or each)
godet may have any of a variety of configurations, including, for
example, a circle, an annular ring, a half-circle, and the like.
According to one embodiment, the patch is shaped to conform to the
periphery of a round godet. The patch is adhered to the godet
during the manufacturing process (conveniently after the godet is
filled and sealed, so as to prevent cosmetic powder from
contaminating the micro-suction surface of the patch). The
micro-suction patch may in some embodiments constitute a part of a
label assembly including a printed label such that information (for
instance, to identify the particular cosmetic contained in the
godet) can be displayed on the godet surface. As an alternative to
an annular, circular, or semicircular patch, other shapes (e.g. a
star shape) may be used. The micro-suction patch may be formed from
a transparent or translucent material, allowing features of the
godet and/or of the printed label to be visible beneath the
patch.
[0014] Specific embodiments of the invention employ a half-disc of
micro-suction fastener material covering only half of the godet
bottom. This arrangement provides satisfactory securing of the
godet to the palette surface, and facilitates removal of the godet
from the palette when desired; when the user presses down on the
side of the godet that does not have the half-disc, the godet acts
like a lever releasing the half-disc from the palette.
Alternatively, a selected portion of the exposed micro-suction
surface of a patch of micro-suction fastener material applied to a
godet may be laser-etched to render it non-adherent to a palette
bottom surface, again to facilitate manual separation of a godet
from the palette. In addition to modifying the adhesive properties
of the micro-suction patch, laser etching may also be used to add
text, logos, graphics, and other decorative artwork to the patch
and other areas of the godet.
[0015] A number of advantages result from applying the
micro-suction fastener material patch to the godets, as opposed to
providing a micro-suction fastener material extending over and
adhesively attached to the smooth supporting surface of the
palette. In the present invention, the fastener material is
replaced each time the godet is replaced. Since the securing
strength of the micro-suction material diminishes as dirt, dust,
and other materials (including powdered cosmetic material)
accumulate on the surface, provision of the micro-suction material
fastener patch on the godet assures the user of a fresh
micro-suction fastener with each replacement. Also, the
micro-suction surface can be cleaned and restored; thus, by
providing the fastener patch on the removable godet, the user can
clean the patch separately from the palette as opposed to cleaning
the whole palette surface. In addition, the location of the
micro-suction surface beneath the godet protects it from exposure
to loose cosmetic powder. If the micro-suction surface covered the
smooth surface of the palette, powder falling on the exposed
micro-suction surface would eventually render that part of the
surface non-adherent, just as in hook-and-loop attachment of godets
to a palette, the hook or loop fabric covering the supporting
surface of the palette, being exposed, becomes contaminated and
requires cleaning.
[0016] Owing to the attachment of the micro-suction fastener
material patch to the godet such that the force required to
separate the fastener material patch from the godet is greater than
the force required to separate the fastener material patch from the
smooth palette base surface, the fastener patch does not separate
from the godet when the godet is manually repositioned on or
removed from the smooth palette surface by a user; hence the
nuisance of having to separately remove a fastener patch from the
latter surface is avoided, and the godet retains its fastener patch
so that it can be returned to or relocated on the smooth palette
surface. The retained fastener patch also enables the godet to be
secured to a different palette, or to other smooth surfaces such as
countertops or the like which themselves have no means for securing
the godet. Thus, the godets tend to stay put when set down on a
countertop or other surface (outside the palette) and are less
likely to be accidentally knocked off a counter. Neither magnetic
attachment nor hook-and-loop attachment affords this advantage
unless the countertop itself happens to be ferromagnetic or has a
corresponding hook or loop surface.
[0017] The present invention has additional advantages over
palettes/compacts that use magnetic materials to removably attach
godets. In the palette of the invention, a wide range of materials
can be used to form the godet (e.g. aluminum, plastic, cardboard,
glass). With magnetic attachment, the godet must either be made
from a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel or a magnetized
material) or a separate magnetic insert needs to be provided. By
using a wider range of godet materials, the godet material can be
selected based on other factors such as chemical compatibility with
the cosmetic, ease of manufacture, price, etc. Magnets are also
ecologically undesirable, sometimes requiring mined materials (e.g.
cobalt). The manufacture of steel godets involves energy intensive
processes.
[0018] The invention provides further advantages relative to
hook-and-loop attachment of godets to a palette/compact. The hook
and loop material adds significant thickness to the assembly.
Typical hook-and-loop layers add 3-4 mm of thickness to the
assembly. Micro-suction layers can be as thin as 0.3 mm-0.5 mm,
providing a thinner, more aesthetically appealing structure.
[0019] Godets according to the invention can be adhered to any
smooth surface, such as a user's vanity mirror, car dashboard,
countertop, etc. The same godet can be used with a variety of
palettes/compacts. In one example, the user may have a large
palette for home use holding many godets with cosmetics for a
number of occasions (e.g. everyday make-up, make-up for formal
occasions, etc.), and one or more other more portable
palettes/compacts including a "mono" compact that holds only one or
a limited number of godets for the user to carry during the
day.
[0020] In a further particular aspect, the invention contemplates
the provision of a cosmetic palette comprising a palette base
having a smooth supporting surface, at least one
cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom disposed on the
palette base surface, and a patch of micro-suction fastener
material having one surface attached to the bottom of the aforesaid
one godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the palette
base surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the palette
base surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener material
patch, enabling the godet to be selectively positioned on the
palette base surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing, and
wherein the smooth palette base surface is a mirror. Additional
features of the palette may include other make-up mirrors (e.g. a
magnifying mirror), lighting for the compact case or a "godet" that
is itself a battery powered light.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention embraces a palette of such
type wherein the micro-suction fastener material patch covers only
a portion of the facing surfaces of the godet and the
palette/compact, with the area of the patch being selected to
adjust the pull-off force, and the godet has a removable protective
lid with a removal force such that the pull-off force of the
micro-suction surface is greater than the removal force of the lid
but low enough to allow the user to conveniently remove and replace
the godet.
[0022] The invention additionally contemplates provision of a
compact/palette system including a number of compacts, each having
a smooth inner surface for holding one or more godets, and a
plurality of godets selectively applied to the compacts.
[0023] It is also possible to provide a continuous sheet of
micro-suction fastener material secured to and extending over the
entire smooth base surface of the palette, and to removably mount
godets (themselves having no patches of micro-suction fastener
material) thereon by simply pressing them against the sheet.
[0024] According to further aspects of the disclosure, a godet
package is provided to protect the godet and to create an
aesthetically pleasing appearance, for example, when the godet is
displayed for sale. The package includes a lid that can be opened
to remove the godet and a smooth inner surface arranged so that,
when the godet is positioned in the package, the micro-suction
patch engages the smooth surface to releasably hold the godet
within the package. Because the micro-suction patch material can be
connected and reconnected with smooth surfaces repeatedly, the
godet can be returned to the package and securely affixed to the
smooth surface. According to a still further aspect, the godet
package is provided with an opening through the smooth surface to
allow a user to apply force to the bottom of the godet, for
example, with a fingertip, to separate the micro-suction patch from
the smooth surface so that the godet can be easily removed from the
package.
[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description hereinbelow set forth,
together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic palette embodying
the present invention in a particular form, open and partly
exploded to show two godets (one inverted) outside but mountable in
the palette;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cosmetic palette of FIG. 1 with
the lid closed;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side elevational sectional view of the same
palette, showing one godet mounted therein;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the portion of
FIG. 3 within circle B in FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 5A is an exploded schematic side view of an example of
a multilayer assembly including a label and a patch of
micro-suction fastener material for application to the bottom of a
godet for the palette of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of elements of the
assembly of FIG. 5A;
[0032] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective views illustrating
successive steps in mounting the assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B on a
godet for the palette of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are perspective views of the godet
of FIG. 1, open, illustrating successive steps in mounting a godet
within the palette;
[0034] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention in which the godets (one being shown inverted) each bear
a patch of micro-suction material on only one-half of their bottom
surfaces;
[0035] FIGS. 8B, 8C and 8D are enlarged fragmentary sectional
elevational views illustrating successive steps in the mounting and
removal of godets in the embodiment of FIG. 8A;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a
godet according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 10 plan view of the bottom surface of a godet according
to a further embodiment of the disclosure showing laser etching to
modify the appearance of the godet and to modify the adhesive
properties of micro-suction material on the godet;
[0038] FIG. 11 shows a jar for holding liquid and semiliquid
materials that can be removably attached to a palette according to
embodiments of the disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 12 shows a light source that can be removably attached
to a palette according to embodiments of the disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 13 shows a tool holder that can be removably attached
to a palette according to embodiments of the disclosure; and
[0041] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package for holding and protecting
a godet according to embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 includes
a cosmetic palette case in the form of a compact 10, for example
rectangular in plan, comprising a base 11 and a lid 12 connected by
a hinge 14, with a latch 16 opposite the hinge for releasably
holding the compact closed. Each of the lid and base may
conveniently be an integrally molded plastic element. The base 11
is a generally rigid tray having an extended smooth, bare, planar
inner supporting surface 18 surrounded on all four sides by a rim
20 defining a well within which the surface 18 is situated. Other
palette/compact configurations also providing a smooth flat
supporting surface are embraced as well by the invention.
[0043] The surface 18 may be the inner surface of the molded
plastic base itself, or (as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-4) may be a surface of a planar element, such as a mirror or like
specularly reflective coating or member 19, mounted on and covering
the plastic base inner surface within the well. When the compact is
open and the user looks into the well, the mirror reflects toward
the user, to assist in the application of cosmetics.
[0044] The compact or palette case 10 in this embodiment is
dimensioned to receive a plurality of individual godets 22 each
holding a quantity 24 of a cosmetic material, illustratively (but,
in the broader aspects of the invention, not limited to) a pressed
powder or the like. Conveniently and desirably, when the palette
contains more than one godet, the different godets included therein
respectively contain different cosmetic materials.
[0045] Each of the godets 22 is a small open-topped container 28,
shown as a shallow circular cup or pan having a generally flat
bottom 30 that conforms to the flat smooth supporting surface 18 of
the tray 20. By way of example, the godets are shown as identical
in dimensions and configuration, and of such a diameter that five,
six or more fit easily in the tray 10 with spaces between them and
may be arranged therein in any way desired by a particular user.
The invention in its broader aspects is not limited as to the size,
shape, number and variety of godets included in a palette.
[0046] The godets may be made of a wide range of materials
(including, without limitation, aluminum or other metals, plastic,
cardboard and glass), selected in accordance with such factors as
chemical compatibility with the contained cosmetic material, ease
of manufacture, and cost, provided that the godets are sufficiently
self-sustaining in structure to serve their cosmetic-holding
function during storage and use.
[0047] Three of the godets 22 shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on the
smooth supporting surface 18, and a fourth (outside the compact) is
similarly oriented for such mounting, with its bottom facing the
surface 18. A fifth godet, designated 22a and also outside the
compact, is inverted to show its bottom 30, to which is attached a
fastener material patch 32 of annular configuration concentric with
and just inside the periphery of the godet bottom. Each of the
other godets bears a similar fastening material patch on its
bottom, not visible in FIG. 1.
[0048] The fastener material patch 32 is a patch of a micro-suction
fastening material, such as (for example) a tape commercially
available under the trade name "wgo.RTM. Universal tape," which
comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that (as best seen in FIG. 4)
creates on at least one side of the tape a micro-suction or
nano-suction surface 34, constituted, in effect, of millions of
microscopic suction cups packed tightly so as to feel like a smooth
plastic surface. The other major surface of the tape, designated
36, may also be a micro-suction surface or may bear an adhesive
composition. In each godet in the assembled palette 10, the
attachment surface 36 of the associated fastener material patch 32
is directly or indirectly attached to the godet bottom 30, while
the micro-suction surface 34 (oriented to face away from the godet)
engages the smooth surface 18 of the palette and removably secures
the godet thereto by micro-suction.
[0049] Advantageously, the fastener material patch of each godet is
effectively permanently attached to the godet bottom, in that the
force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater than
the pull-off force required to remove the godet from the palette
surface 18; i.e., the adhering force holding the patch to the godet
is greater than the micro-suction pull-off force securing the
micro-suction surface 34 of the patch to the smooth palette
surface. To achieve this relationship of adhering forces, for
example, an adhesive composition which adheres the patch to the
godet bottom with a force greater than the pull-off force may be
provided on the patch surface 36. The strength of the pull-off
force is dependent on the area of engagement between the
micro-suction surface of the patch and the smooth palette surface
and may thus be determined by appropriate selection of the patch
micro-suction surface area.
[0050] A user, having selected a godet or godets for inclusion in
the compact/palette 10, mounts each godet therein by manually
pressing the godet against the smooth palette surface 18 (with the
exposed micro-suction surface 34 of the fastener patch 32 of the
godet facing the surface 18), thereby easily and stably securing
the godet to the latter surface. Within the limits of the area of
the surface 18, any number of godets, in any desired arrangement,
may be so disposed. The lid 12 is latched shut to cover and protect
the open godets while the compact is carried or stored; when the
lid is opened, the contained cosmetics, in their respective godets,
are accessible for application to the user's face. Godets can be
removed, repositioned, replaced or added as the user wishes, or
moved from one palette (such as a large open palette on a user's
dressing table at home) to another (such as the portable compact
10). Any godet placed on a countertop or other smooth surface
outside the palette will be secured to that surface by the
micro-suction surface of its fastener patch 30. Upon separation of
a godet from any smooth surface to which it has been secured, no
residue is left on the surface, because the godet is adhered only
by micro-suction and not by any adhesive composition.
[0051] The micro-suction fastener material patch 32 may form part
of a label assembly such that information (e.g., identifying and/or
describing the cosmetic material contained in the godet) can be
displayed on the godet surface. One illustrative example of such an
assembly, designated 31, is shown in FIGS. 5A-6C, wherein the patch
32 is annular, with an outer diameter substantially equal to that
of the bottom 30 of the godet 22 on which the assembly is mounted.
The assembly 31 is constituted of a plurality of sheets, films or
layers shown in exploded view in FIG. 5A. Stated with reference to
the orientation of FIG. 5A, this assembly includes a removable
backing sheet 33 at the bottom, above which is a label 38 bearing
printed legends (artwork) 38a located in the central portion of its
upwardly-facing surface so as to be visible in the central opening
of patch 32. The downwardly-facing surface of label 38 is provided
with a layer of permanent adhesive 38b; by "permanent adhesive" is
meant an adhesive which will adhere the label to the godet bottom
with a force greater than the above-defined pull-off force required
to separate the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32 from the
smooth palette surface. Above the label (as seen in FIG. 5A) is a
film 35, e.g. a tape having on each side a permanent adhesive
(again, an adhesive which will adhere the label 38 to the
downwardly facing surface 36 of the patch 32 with a force greater
than the aforesaid pull-off force); and above the film 35 is the
patch 32, having its micro-suction surface 34 facing upwardly.
Finally, above and covering the micro-suction surface 34 of patch
32 is a protective layer of peel-away clear film 39 for preventing
premature adherence of the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32. In
this embodiment, layers 35, 38, and 38b form a joining layer that
joins patch 32 to the bottom surface of the godet.
[0052] FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded perspective view again
showing the order, in assembly 31, of the backing sheet 33, label
38, micro-suction material patch 32 and peel-away film 39. These
elements are put together as a unit 31a (FIG. 6A) in this order on
the backing sheet, which prevents premature adhesion of the
permanent adhesive 38b (both adhesive layer 38b and the adhesive of
film 35 may be pressure-sensitive adhesives). For mounting the unit
31a on the bottom surface 30 of a cosmetic-filled godet 22, the
godet is inverted, the backing sheet 33 is peeled off the adhesive
layer 38b and the unit 31a (that is, unit 31 with backing sheet 33
removed) is placed (arrow 43, FIG. 6B) on the godet with adhesive
layer 38b facing and pressed against the godet bottom. The godet is
now ready for mounting on a smooth palette surface, after the
peel-away film 39 is removed from the patch 32 to expose
micro-suction surface 34 (FIG. 6C).
[0053] In this instance the micro-suction fastener material patch
is attached indirectly to the godet bottom, viz., by adhesive
attachment of the patch to the label and adhesive attachment of the
label to the godet bottom, but this indirect attachment of the
patch to the godet is made effectively permanent as described
above, by providing both patch-to-label and label-to-godet
adherence such that the force required to separate the patch from
the godet is greater than the pull-off force required to remove the
godet from the palette surface 18.
[0054] Each godet 22, after being filled with cosmetic material
(and before the label and micro-suction patch are applied to its
bottom as just described), may be provided with a removable
protective lid or cover 44 (FIGS. 7A-7D), such as a cardboard or
plastic layer adhered to the lip of the godet e.g. by ultrasonic
welding. This cover is intended to remain in place until the
ultimate purchaser (user) initially mounts the godet on the smooth
surface 18 of a compact 10 or other palette. Owing to the presence
of the cover, the user can affix the godet to the palette by
pushing the top 46 of cover 44 to press the micro-suction surface
34 (after removal of the aforementioned protective film) against
the surface 18. FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a godet 22b, with cover 44 in
place, being moved into a chosen position for mounting on surface
18. After the godet is secured to the palette surface, the cover is
easily broken and bent hingedly upward (FIG. 7C) and is peeled away
(FIG. 8D) leaving the godet attached to the palette. The force
adhering the cover 44 to the godet, and the area of the patch
micro-suction surface 34 attaching the godet to the palette surface
18, are mutually selected such that the pull-off force required to
remove the godet from the surface 18 is greater than the force
required to peel the protective lid from the godet.
[0055] FIG. 8A illustrates a palette 50, similar to the palette
case 10 of FIG. 1, having a plurality of godets 53 similar to the
godets 22 of FIG. 1 but each having a patch of micro-suction
fastener material in the form of a half-disc 54 covering only
one-half of the godet bottom surface, as will be apparent from the
inverted one of the godets separated from the case 10. As shown in
FIG. 8B, each godet is mounted on the smooth base surface 56 of the
palette case by being pressed down on the surface with the
half-disc 54 facing and ultimately engaging surface 56. Each godet
is thereby secured to the palette case (FIG. 8C). To remove a godet
from the palette, a user presses down on the side of the godet
which does not bear the half-disc, causing the godet to tilt
sufficiently to release the half-disc from the palette surface
(FIG. 8D).
[0056] According to an alternative embodiment, palette 10 includes
a planar inner surface 18 that is covered or partially covered with
a sheet of micro-suction material 32. The sheet of material is
adhered to the surface of the palette using a chemical adhesive,
adhesive tape, ultrasonic welding, or other technique known in the
field of the disclosure. One or more godets 22 with smooth bottom
surfaces 30 are removably adhere to the sheet of material 32.
[0057] According to some embodiments, only a portion of the bottom
surface of the godet 22 is shaped to adhere to the micro-suction
material. FIG. 9 shows a godet 22 with a bottom surface 50 facing
upward. The bottom surface 50 includes a raised annular ring
surface 54 and a recessed central region surface 52. When connected
with micro-suction material 32 attached to the inner surface 18 of
the palette, only the raised surface 54 contacts material 32. The
pull-off force depends on the area of ring 54. By adjusting the
area of ring 54, the pull off force can be adjusted to allow the
godet 22 to be securely connected with the palette and conveniently
removable and repostionable by the user. The disclosure is not
limited to godets with a raised annular ring 54. Other shaped
raised areas are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition to
godets 22, other objects, such as brushes, pencils, and other tools
used to apply cosmetics may be adhered to the sheet of material,
provided those objects include a smooth flat surface.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a godet 22 according to another
embodiment of the disclosure. A label 38 is affixed to the bottom
surface of the godet. An annular ring of micro-suction material 32
is provided on the label, using, for example, the technique
discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Text, logos, graphic
designs, and other artwork 38a and 38b are applied using laser
etching to the label 38 as well as to the micro-suction material
32. For some applications, applying artwork using laser etching
instead of, or in addition to, printing such artwork may be
preferred. For example, when generic godets are assembled to
receive a variety of cosmetic materials, laser etched artwork may
be used to customize the godets to indicate the contents after
generic godets have been filled.
[0059] Laser etching may also be used to modify the adhesive
properties of the micro-suction material 32. The micro-suction
material 32 may be etched to reduce or eliminate the micro-suction
properties to create non-adhesive portions 60. The size and
configuration of the non-adhesive portions is selected to adjust
the amount of force required to detach the godet from a surface,
such as surface 18 of compact 10, shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] Objects other than godets may be removably connected with
surface 18 using micro-suction material. FIG. 11 shows an accessory
such as a jar 70 or other functional structure for holding liquid
or semi-liquid materials, such as creams, ointments, and emulsions.
Jar 70 includes jar body 72 and removable cap 74. Cap 74 may
removably connect with jar body 72 by a threaded engagement (a
screw-top), a snap-on lid, or other structures known in the field
of the disclosure. The bottom portion of the jar forms a base 73
with a flat bottom surface 71. A patch of micro-suction material 32
is applied to the bottom surface 71 of jar 70 in a manner disclosed
in the previous embodiments. When jar 70 is fixed to a supporting
surface, such as surface 18, micro-suction patch 32 holds the jar
securely to the surface while torque or other forces required to
open and close the jar are applied to lid 74.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows an accessory, such as a battery-powered light
source 80, adapted to be used with the palette according to
embodiments of the disclosure. Reflector assembly 82 houses a light
bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent tube, or the like for
generating visible light. The reflector assembly 82 is supported by
a flexible stalk 84. Stalk 84 may be a "goose neck" that allows the
user to reposition the reflector and to hold the reflector at a
selected position and angle. A base 86 provides a platform for
stalk 84. Base 86 has a flat bottom surface 81. Housed within base
86 is a power source 88, such as a rechargeable battery. A charging
port 89, for example, a mini-USB connector may be provided to
deliver recharging current to power source 88. Power source 88
delivers current to the light source in reflector assembly 82
through wires inside of stalk 84. A patch of micro-adhesive
material 32 on the flat bottom surface 81 of base 86 removably
connects assembly 80 to surface 18 or to another smooth surface. In
this embodiment the reflector assembly 82 forms a functional
structure for illumination that can be positioned by stalk 84.
Other functional structures, such a mirror, could also be
provided.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows another accessory, a tool holder 90 according
to another embodiment of the disclosure. Tool holder 90 includes a
base 91 with a flat bottom surface 93. On the top surface of base
91 cavities, grooves, snaps, clips, or other functional structures
92a, 92b, 92c are provided for holding and supporting tools, such
as brushes, cosmetic pencils, tweezers, and the like that can be
used along with cosmetics and other materials contained in godets
held on the palette according to embodiments of the disclosure. A
patch of micro-suction material 32 is provided on the bottom
surface 93 of tool holder 90. Tool holder 90 may also include one
or more embedded magnets 94. The magnets are adapted to secure
tools that are made from, or include, ferromagnetic materials to
the tool holder 90.
[0063] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package 100 for a godet 22
according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. Package 100
includes a package body 101 and reclosable lid 102. Lid 102 is
connected with body 101 by a hinge. A snap fit engagement, not
shown, holds lid 102 closed over the top of body 101.
Alternatively, instead of a hinged arrangement, the lid 102 may be
a screw-top that engages the body 101 by inter-engaging threads or
may form an interference or snap-fit with body 101.
[0064] Cavity 104 formed within body 101 is sized and shaped to
hold godet 22. As shown in FIG. 14B, a patch 32 of micro-suction
material is provided as an annular ring on the bottom surface of
godet 22. The bottom surface of cavity 104 is smooth. When godet 22
is pressed into cavity 104, as shown in FIG. 14A, micro-suction
patch 32 engages with the smooth bottom of cavity 104, securing
godet 22 within package 100.
[0065] Opening 106 is provided through the bottom wall 106 of body
101 into cavity 104. Opening 106 allows a user to provide a force,
F, against the bottom surface of godet 22, for example, using a
fingertip, to push the godet away from the bottom of cavity 104.
This force breaks the connection formed by patch 32 on the godet
and the bottom of the cavity 104. As shown in FIG. 14B, the godet
22 is thus removed from package 100. Godet 22 may then be connected
with a smooth surface, such as surface 18 of compact 10, as
described in the previous embodiments.
[0066] Godet 22 may be reinserted in package 100 and force may be
applied to the top of the godet to re-engage patch 32 with the
bottom of cavity 104 to securely hold the godet in the package.
[0067] According to a further embodiment, package 100 does not
include opening 106. Instead, the bottom surface of cavity 104 is
continuous. Cavity 104 is sized to provide sufficient clearance
from the sides of godet 22 so that the godet can be grasped by the
user and pulled from the package.
[0068] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the features and embodiments hereinabove specifically set forth but
may be carried out in other ways without departure from its
spirit.
* * * * *