COSMETIC SQUEEZE STICK

Abstract

A combination cosmetic container and product may include a base which may have a first open end and a second closed end, defining a cavity therebetween. The combination cosmetic container may include a solid stick cosmetic product which may be adapted for placement within the cavity of the base. A cap may be removably coupled to the base, and the cap may be configured to engage with the first open end of the base to cover the solid stick cosmetic product and close the cosmetic container. Compression of the base in an inward direction may cause the solid stick cosmetic product to advance through the first open end of the base when the cap is removed from the cosmetic container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/031,018, filed on May 28, 2020, titled COSMETIC SQUEEZE STICK, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application related generally to a cosmetic container, and in particular, to a cosmetic container for containing and applying a stick-type cosmetic.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product, such as a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, washing or moisturizing compound, a deodorant, a haircare product, etc. The sticks may be packaged in container that holds a first part of the stick while making a second part of the stick accessible to the user. The container may further include means for advancing the stick out of the container. Although cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product exist, there is a continuing need for more and different cosmetic containers for packaging and delivering a stick of product.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

In a first non-limiting example, a combination cosmetic container and product may include a base which may have a first open end and a second closed end, defining a cavity therebetween. The combination cosmetic container may include a solid stick cosmetic product which may be adapted for placement within the cavity of the base. A cap may be removably coupled to the base, and the cap may be configured to engage with the first open end of the base to cover the solid stick cosmetic product and close the cosmetic container. Compression of the base in an inward direction may cause the solid stick cosmetic product to advance through the first open end of the base when the cap is removed from the cosmetic container.

Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, a piston may be adapted for placement within the base, the piston may be configured to hold the solid stick cosmetic product. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the piston may have a tapered bottom portion and compression of the base in an inward direction in a region of the tapered bottom portion of the piston may cause the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base, thereby advancing the solid stick cosmetic product through the first open end of the base when the cap is removed from the cosmetic container. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the base may be a base assembly including a first base portion and a second base portion. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the first base portion may be formed from a rigid material and the second base portion may be formed from a flexible material. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the second base portion may include a vent. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cap may be formed from a rigid material. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the base may be formed from a flexible material. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the flexible material may be silicone. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the first open end of the base may include one or more outer threads and the cap includes one or more inner threads, wherein the one or more inner threads of the cap may be configured to engage with the one or more outer threads of the first open end of the base to close the cosmetic container.

According to another example, a cosmetic container may include a base having a first open end and a second closed end, which may define a cavity therebetween. A collar may be configured to engage with the open end of the base. A piston may be adapted for placement within the cavity of the base and may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product between the piston and the open end of the base. The cosmetic container may include a cap that may be removably coupled to the base, and the cap may be configured to engage with the collar to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container. The base may be entirely formed from a single flexible material, and compression of the base in an inward direction may cause the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base.

Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the flexible material may be silicone. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cap and the collar may be formed from a rigid material. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the collar may be coupled to the base via snap-fit. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the piston may have a tapered bottom portion and the piston may have substantially the same shape as the cavity within the base. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cosmetic product may take the form of a cosmetic stick.

According to another example, a cosmetic container may include a base assembly which may include a first base portion and a second base portion, the base assembly having a first open end and a second closed end, and may define a cavity therebetween. A piston may be adapted for placement within the cavity of the base assembly and may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product between the piston and the first open end of the base assembly. A cap may be removably coupled to the base assembly, and the cap may be configured to engage with the first open end of the base assembly to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container. The first base portion may be formed from a rigid material, and the second base portion may be formed from a flexible material. Compression of the second base portion in an inward direction may cause the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base assembly.

Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the flexible material may be silicone. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cosmetic container may include a collar, wherein the collar may be configured to engage with the first open end of the base assembly. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cap may be configured to engage with the collar to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the second base portion may include a vent. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, covering the vent when compressing the second base portion in an inward direction may cause the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base assembly, and uncovering of the vent may cause the piston to move back to its starting position. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the cosmetic product may take the form of a cosmetic stick.

According to another example, a method for using a cosmetic container is described, wherein the cosmetic container includes a base including a vent, the base defining a cavity within, a cap removably coupled to the base, and a cosmetic product adapted for placement within the cavity of the base, the method comprising: removing the cap from the base to expose the cosmetic product within the cavity of the base; covering the vent; compressing the base in an inward direction to advance the cosmetic product in an upward direction relative to a closed end of the base while the vent is covered; uncovering the vent and releasing compression of the base; applying or otherwise using the product; with the vent uncovered, compressing the base; and with the base again compressed, covering the vent and removing compression of the base thereby causing the cosmetic product to retract back into the base.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the illustrative cosmetic container in an open configuration, with a base and a collar shown in transparent;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the illustrative cosmetic container in an open configuration, illustrating the movement of a cosmetic stick;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the collar of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a piston of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the base of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container in a closed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of a piston of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of an illustrative first base portion of the illustrative cosmetic container; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of an illustrative second base portion of the illustrative cosmetic container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein the like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in nature.

For convenience, the present disclosure may be described using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others. It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container 10 in a closed configuration. The container 10 may be configured to hold a stick-style cosmetic product such as, but not limited to, a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, an eyebrow color, an eyeliner, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, a washing or moisturizing compound, a deodorant, a haircare product, or the like. It is contemplated that the cosmetic product may be generally solid. As shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 may include a cap 30, a collar 12, and a base 20. The base 20 may include a first, open end 21 (as shown in FIG. 2) and a second, closed end 22.

The cap 30 may be generally circular about its circumference, with a circular cross-section. In some examples, as can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 20 may include a cross-sectional shape that differs from the cap 30. For example, the first end 21 of the base 20 may be generally circular about its circumference, with a circular cross-section, and the second end 22 of the base 20 may be generally oval about its circumference, with an oval cross-section. In some examples, the base 20 may have a uniform cross-section across an entire length thereof In other examples, the base 20 and the cap 30 may have identical or substantially the same cross-sectional shape to provide a uniform outer surface. Alternatively, the base 20 may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, or any other desired shape. The cap 30 may be removably coupled to the first end 21 of the base 20, such that when assembled together, the cap 30 and the base 20 provide an effective barrier for containing a product.

The container 10 is not limited to a particular body size. For example, the size and shape of the components may be varied to accommodate a particular cosmetic product. For example, a cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to a larger surface area, such as a foundation, may have a larger container (which may allow more product to be applied in a single application) than a cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to a smaller surface area, such as an eyebrow color. These are just examples, and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the cosmetic container 10, taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 20 may include the first, open end 21 and the second, closed end 22, defining a cavity 23 therebetween. The cavity 23 may be configured to receive a solid cosmetic stick 15. The open end 21 of the base 20 may include an upper ridge 25 and a lip 26 which may be configured to engage with the collar 12 such that the collar 12 may be coupled to the base 20 via a friction fit or a snap-fit. It may be contemplated that the collar 12 may be permanently attached to the first end 21 using heat, laser, or sonic welding, insert or injection molding, adhesive, or any other suitable method of attachment such as a mechanical screw, threading, tab, or snap fit. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, the base 20 may be entirely formed from a single flexible material (e.g., silicone or thermoplastic elastomer), and the collar 12 may be formed from a more rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.). The collar 12 may be formed from a more rigid material to provide additional strength for coupling the cap 30 to the base 20. In some cases, the collar 12 may be omitted, and the first end 21 of the base 20 may have a greater thickness than other portions of the base 20, which may provide the additional strength needed for coupling the cap 30 to the first end 21 of the base 20. For example, the first end 21 of the base 20 may include one or more outer threads which may be configured to engage with the one or more inner threads 31 of the cap 30.

As discussed, the cap 30 may be configured to engage with collar 12 so as to couple the cap 30 to the base 20. The cap 30 may be formed from a rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.), and may include one or more inner threads 31, which may be configured to engage with one or more outer threads 13 of the collar 12. In such examples, the collar 12 may have a substantially circular shape such that the cap 30 may be coupled to the collar 12 via a thread fastening mechanism. However, it may be contemplated that the cap 30 and the collar 12 may have an alternative shape (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other shape desired) and may be secured together or sealed by a magnetic fastening mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, or a clamp fastening system. It may be further contemplated that the cap 30 and the base 20 have one shape and the sealing mechanism (e.g., an inside of the cap 30 and the collar 12) have a second, substantially round shape, wherein the seal may be provided by a thread fastening mechanism. Some assemblies, when fastened together, can compress an O-ring or a gasket interposed by the cap 30 and the base 20 to provide airtight sealing. Other examples may not be airtight and may simply serve to effectively contain and prevent spillage of the cosmetic product therein. While it is shown that the cap 30 may be coupled to the base 20 via the collar 12, it is contemplated that the cap 30 may be coupled directly to the base 20, thereby omitting the collar 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, a piston 24 may be adapted for placement within the base 20. The piston 24 may be configured to hold the cosmetic stick 15 within the cavity 23 of the base 20. The piston 24 may be used to advance the cosmetic stick 15 in an upward direction relative to the second, closed end 22 of the base 20, thereby advancing the cosmetic stick 15 through the first end 21 of the base 20, when the cap 30 is removed from the container 10. As discussed, the base 20 may be formed from a flexible material. Thus, a user may compress (e.g., squeeze) the sides of the base 20 in an inward direction, and the compression may provide a force to the piston 24, thereby causing the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction, as discussed further with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In some cases, the piston 24 may be omitted and compression of the sides of the base 20 in an inward direction may provide a force directly to the cosmetic stick 15, thereby causing the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction.

In some embodiments, the cap 30, the base 20, the collar 12, and the piston 24 may be formed from the same material. In some examples, the material may be recyclable materials. Suitable recyclable materials may include polyethylene (PE), such as PET, PETG, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, or post-consumer recycled products (PCR), and/or any other suitable recyclable material. For example, biodegradable plastic materials may be used; PET is an example of a biodegradable plastic, as well as various polymers derived from starch sources and/or polylactic acid (PLA). In other examples, the various components of the container 10 may be formed from different materials. In other examples, the cap 30, the collar 12, and the piston 24 may be formed from one material and the base 20 may be formed from another material. In some embodiments the components of the container 10 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed and/or for decorative purposes. The present invention is not, however, limited to particular recyclable, recycled, or biodegradable materials; in some examples a non-recyclable material or combination of materials may be used instead.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the container 10 may include the cap 30, the collar 12, and the base 20. The first end 21 of the base 20 may include the upper ridge 25 and the lip 26 which may be configured to engage with the collar 12 such that the collar 12 may be coupled to the base 20 via snap fit or friction fit. The collar 12 may include one or more outer threads 13 and the cap 30 may include one or more inner threads 31. The inner threads 31 of the cap 30 may be configured to engage with the outer threads 13 of the collar 12 so as to close the container 10. The base 20 may include the first, open end 21 and the second, closed end 22, which may define the cavity 23 therebetween. The piston 24 may be adapted for placement within the cavity 23 of the base 20, and the piston 24 may have substantially the same shape as the cavity 23 within the base 20. In some embodiments, the piston 24 may be tapered or angled such that the bottom (adjacent closed end 22) is narrower than the top. The cavity 23 may also be tapered with the bottom (adjacent closed end 22) being smaller than the top portion. The piston 24 may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product (e.g., cosmetic stick 15) between the piston 24 and the first, open end 21 of the base 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are right side views of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in an open configuration, with the base 20 and the collar 12 shown in transparent, illustrating the movement of the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15. The tapered bottom portion of the piston 24 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the taper is more pronounced in two opposing faces, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the base 20 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., silicone). In use, a user may compress (e.g., squeeze) the sides of the base 20 in an inward direction. The compression, particularly on the tapered bottom portion, may provide a force to the piston 24, thereby causing the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction relative to the second, closed end 22 of the base 20, through the first, open end 21 of the base 20 when the cap 30 is removed from the container 10. In this manner, an amount of actuation (e.g., greater or smaller) of the base 20 in an inward direction, controls the distance the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15 advances through the first end 21 of the base 20. The base 20 and the piston 24 are adapted to provide the proper balance of resistance and compressibility to allow for the user to apply pressure to control the amount and/or the speed of the product dispensed.

As shown in FIG. 5, when pressure is removed from the base 20 of the container 10 (e.g., a user “lets go”) the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15 may remain in the position they were moved to via the compression force. In some examples, the cosmetic stick 15 may not be retracted. In other examples, a user may press the cosmetic stick 15 in a downward direction relative to the first end 21 of the base 20 to retract it. In some examples, sidewalls of the base are closed and solid, while in other examples one or more sidewalls of the base may include a slot allowing a tab attached to the piston 24 to pass therethrough, where the use may use the tab to move the piston 24 and thereby retract the piston 24 and cosmetic stick 15, if desired. In other examples, no retraction mechanism is provided. In some examples, the user may be allowed to expel the piston 24 from the container for recycling or replacement purposes. In ordinary use, a user may compress the base 20 when the cosmetic stick 15 has depleted to the point the user can no longer access the cosmetic stick 15, in order to advance more of the cosmetic stick 15 up and out of the first, open end 21.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the illustrative collar 12 of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the collar 12 may include one or more outer threads 13 which may be configured to engage with the one or more inner threads 31 of the cap so as to close the cosmetic container 10. The collar 12 may further include a ledge 14 which may be configured to engage with the upper ridge 25 of the base 20. When assembled, the ledge 14 of the collar 12 may fit over the upper ridge 25 of the base 20, and the lip 26 of the base 20 may fit over a top end 16 of the collar 12 so as to couple the collar 12 to the base 20. The collar 12 may be attached to the base 20 via friction fit, snap fit, and/or may be attached or further secured using heat, laser, or sonic welding, insert molding, adhesive, or any other suitable method of attachment.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the illustrative piston 24 of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the piston 24 may be adapted for placement within the cavity 23 of the base 20, and the piston 24 may have substantially the same shape as the cavity 23 within the base 20, with a tapered bottom portion. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the bottom portion of the piston 24 has a greater taper on the front and back faces as compared to the side faces. The piston 24 may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product (e.g., cosmetic stick 15) between the piston 24 and the first, open end 21 of the base 20. The piston 24 may be formed from a rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.). In some examples, the piston 24 may be formed from the same material as the base 20 (e.g., a flexible material such as silicone). In an example, both the piston 24 and base 20 are made of silicone, but the piston 24 may be cured to a greater degree than the base 20 so that the piston is more rigid, so that it moves in response to, rather than being compressed by applied forces. The piston 24 may be configured to move in an upward position relative to the second end 22 of the base 20 when compression is applied to the sides of the base 20 in an inward direction, thereby advancing the cosmetic stick 15 through the first, open end 21 of the base 20.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the illustrative base 20 of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the base 20 may include the first, open end 21 and the second, closed end 22, defining the cavity 23 therebetween. The cavity 23 may be configured to receive the solid, cosmetic stick 15 and the piston 24. The open end 21 of the base 20 may include the upper ridge 25 and the lip 26 which may be configured to engage with the collar 12 such that the collar 12 may be coupled to the base 20 via a friction fit or a snap-fit. The base 20 may be entirely formed from a single flexible material (e.g., silicone or thermoplastic elastomer), such that in use, a user may compress (e.g., squeeze) the sides of the base 20 in an inward direction. The compression may provide a force to the piston 24, thereby causing the piston 24 and the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction relative to the second, closed end 22 of the base 20, through the first, open end 21 of the base 20 when the cap 30 is removed from the container 10.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an illustrative cosmetic container 100 in a closed configuration. The cosmetic container 100 may be similar to the cosmetic container 10 in that the cosmetic container 100 may include a cap 60, and a collar 50. Further, the cosmetic container may be configured to hold a stick-style cosmetic product such as, but not limited to, a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, an eyebrow color, an eyeliner, a face powder, a color corrector, a treatment, a washing or moisturizing compound, a deodorant, a haircare product, or the like (e.g., cosmetic stick 15). The cosmetic container 100 may differ from the container 10, however, in that the base (e.g., base 20) may be a base assembly 40, which may include a first base portion 41 and a second base portion 42. The second base portion 42 may include a vent 47, as will be discussed in further detail with reference to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the base assembly 40 may include a first, open end 43 (as shown in FIG. 2) and a second, closed end 44.

The cap 60 may be generally circular about its circumference, with a circular cross-section. In some examples, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 10, the base assembly 40 may include a cross-sectional shape that differs from the cap 60. For example, the first base portion 41 of the base assembly 40 may be generally circular about its circumference, with a circular cross-section, and the second base portion 42 of the base assembly 40 may be generally oval about its circumference, with an oval cross-section. In some examples, the base assembly 40 may have a uniform cross-section across an entire length thereof (e.g., the first base portion 41 and the second base portion 42). In other examples, the base assembly 40 and the cap 60 may have identical or substantially the same cross-sectional shape to provide a uniform outer surface. Alternatively, the base assembly 40 may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, or any other desired shape. The cap 60 may be removably coupled to the first end 43 of the base assembly 40, such that when assembled together, the cap 40 and the base assembly 40 provide an effective barrier for containing a product.

The container 100 is not limited to a particular body size. For example, the size and shape of the components may be varied to accommodate a particular cosmetic product. For example, a cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to a larger surface area, such as a foundation, may have a larger container (which may allow more product to be applied in a single application) than a cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to a smaller surface area, such as an eyebrow color. These are just examples, and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container 100 taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9. As discussed with reference to FIG. 9, the base assembly 40 may include the first, open end 43 and the second, closed end 44, defining a cavity 45 therebetween. The cavity 45 may be configured to receive the solid, cosmetic stick 15. The base assembly 40 may include the first base portion 41 and the second base portion 42. The first base portion 41 may be formed from a more rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.), and the second base portion 42 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., silicone or thermoplastic elastomer). The first base portion 41 and the second base portion 42 may be coupled together via over-molding, bi-injection, adhesive, snap fit, or friction fit.

The first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40 may be formed within the first base portion 41. The first end 43 may include an upper ridge 48 and a lip 49 which may be configured to engage with the collar 50 such that the collar 50 may be coupled to the base assembly 40 via a friction fit or a snap-fit. The collar 12 may be formed from the same rigid material as the first base portion 41, thus it may be contemplated that the collar 52 may be permanently attached to the first end 43 using heat, laser, or sonic welding, injection molding, adhesive, or any other suitable method of attachment. The collar 50 may be configured to engage with the cap 60 to couple the cap 60 to the base assembly 40. In some cases, the collar 50 may be omitted, and the first end 43 of the base assembly 40 may provide the additional strength needed for coupling the cap 60 to the first end 43 of the base assembly 40. For example, the first end 43 of the base assembly 40 may include one or more outer threads which may be configured to engage with one or more inner threads 61 of the cap 60.

As discussed, the cap 60 may be configured to engage with collar 50 so as to couple the cap 60 to the base assembly 40. The cap 60 may be formed from a rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.), and may include one or more inner threads 61, which may be configured to engage with one or more outer threads 51 of the collar 51. In such examples, the collar 50 may have a substantially circular shape such that the cap 60 may be coupled to the collar 50 via a thread fastening mechanism. However, it may be contemplated that the cap 60 and the collar 50 may have an alternative shape (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other shape desired) and may be secured together or sealed by a magnetic fastening mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, or a clamp fastening system. It may be further contemplated that the cap 60 and the base assembly 40 have one shape and the sealing mechanism (e.g., an inside of the cap 60 and the collar 50) have a second, substantially round shape, wherein the seal may be provided by a thread fastening mechanism. Some assemblies, when fastened together, can compress an O-ring or a gasket interposed by the cap 60 and the base assembly 40 to provide airtight sealing. Other examples may not be airtight and may simply serve to effectively contain and prevent spillage of the cosmetic product therein. While it is shown that the cap 60 may be coupled to the base assembly 40 via the collar 50, it is contemplated that the cap 60 may be coupled directly to the base assembly 40, thereby omitting the collar 50.

As shown in FIG. 10, a piston 46 may be adapted for placement within the base assembly 40. The piston 46 may be configured to hold the cosmetic stick 15 within the cavity 45 of the base assembly 40. The piston 46 may be used to advance the cosmetic stick 15 in an upward direction relative to the second, closed end 44 of the base assembly 40, thereby advancing the cosmetic stick 15 through the first end 43 of the base assembly 40, when the cap 60 is removed from the container 100. As discussed, the second base portion 42 may include the vent 47, and the second base portion 42 may be formed from a flexible material. In some examples, the second base portion 42 may include one vent 47. In other examples, the second base portion 42 may include more than one vent 47 (e.g., two vents, three vents, etc.). In use a user may remove the cap 60 from the base assembly 40 to expose the cosmetic product (e.g., cosmetic stick 15) within the cavity 45 of the base assembly 40. The user may cover the vent using their finger (or any other suitable device) and compress the second base portion 42 in an inward direction to advance the cosmetic stick 15 in an upward direction relative to a closed end 44 of the base assembly 40 such that the cosmetic stick advances through the first end 43 of the base assembly 40. The user may remove compression of the second base portion 42 while keeping the vent covered, thereby using air pressure to pull on the cosmetic stick 15 and the piston 46 to retract back into the base assembly 40. The vent can be used in such a way to cause the cosmetic product to be moved using air pressure, rather than direct mechanical force on the sides thereof; if desired a lower portion of the cosmetic stick 15 may be contained in a cup made of or coated with a relatively slippery material (such as an ETFE or PTFE) to ease sliding within the container. It should be understood that between the extension and retraction steps during which the vent can be sealed/covered, the user can make use of the cosmetic product as desired. Thus the user may cover the vent and compress the second base portion to extend the product, then remove the finger covering the vent and release the compressive force, then apply or otherwise use the cosmetic product, then compress the second base portion with the vent uncovered, then seal the vent by covering with a finger (for example), release the compression to retract the cosmetic product into the container, and apply the cap.

In this manner, an amount of actuation (e.g., greater or smaller) of the second base portion 42 in an inward direction, controls the amount of product dispensed through the first end 43 of the base assembly 40. In some cases, the piston 46 may be omitted and compression of the sides of the second base portion 42 in an inward direction may provide a force directly to the cosmetic stick 15, thereby causing the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction.

In some embodiments, the cap 60, the base assembly 40, the collar 50, and the piston 46 may be formed from the same material. In some examples, the material may be recyclable materials. Suitable recyclable materials may include polyethylene (PE), such as PET, PETG, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, or post-consumer recycled products (PCR), and/or any other suitable recyclable material. For example, biodegradable plastic materials may be used; PET is an example of a biodegradable plastic, as well as various polymers derived from starch sources and/or polylactic acid (PLA). In other examples, the various components of the container 100 may be formed from different materials. In other examples, the cap 60, the collar 50, the first base portion 41 and the piston 46 may be formed from one material and the second base portion 42 may be formed from another material. In some embodiments the components of the container 100 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed and/or for decorative purposes. The present invention is not, however, limited to particular recyclable, recycled, or biodegradable materials; in some examples a non-recyclable material or combination of materials may be used instead.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container 100. As discussed with reference to FIG. 10, the container 100 may include the cap 60, the collar 50, and the base assembly 40. The base assembly 40 may include the first base portion 41 and the second base portion 42. The first end 43 of the base assembly 40 may include the upper ridge 48 and the lip 49 which may be configured to engage with the collar 50 such that the collar 50 may be coupled to the base assembly 40 via snap fit or friction fit. The collar 50 may include one or more outer threads 51 and the cap 60 may include one or more inner threads 61. The inner threads 61 of the cap 60 may be configured to engage with the outer threads 51 of the collar 50 so as to close the container 100. The base assembly 40 may include the first, open end 43 and the second, closed end 44, which may define the cavity 45 therebetween. The piston 46 may be adapted for placement within the cavity 45 of the base assembly 40. In some embodiments, the second base portion 42 may be tapered or angled such that the bottom (adjacent closed end 44) is narrower than the top. The cavity 45 may also be tapered with the bottom (adjacent closed end 44) being smaller than the top portion. The piston 46 may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product (e.g., cosmetic stick 15) between the piston 46 and the first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the illustrative piston 46 of the illustrative cosmetic container 100. As discussed with reference to FIG. 10, the piston 46 may be adapted for placement within the cavity 45 of the base assembly 40. The piston 46 may be configured to fit within the base assembly 40 so as to provide an airtight seal between the piston 46 and the base assembly 40. In such cases, the vent 47 may be provided within the second base portion 42, which may allow the cosmetic container 100 to be an airless dispenser. The piston 46 may be adapted to hold a cosmetic product (e.g., cosmetic stick 15) between the piston 46 and the first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40. The piston 46 may be formed from a rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.). In some examples, the piston 46 may be formed from the same material as the second base portion 42 (e.g., a flexible material such as silicone). The piston 46 may be configured to move in an upward position relative to the second end 44 of the base assembly 40 when compression is applied to the sides of the second base portion 42 in an inward direction, thereby advancing the cosmetic stick 15 through the first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the illustrative first base portion 41 of the illustrative cosmetic container 100. As discussed with reference to FIG. 10, the first base portion 41 may include the first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40. The open end 43 of the first base portion 41 may include the upper ridge 48 and the lip 49 which may be configured to engage with the collar 50 such that the collar 50 may be coupled to the base assembly 40 via a friction fit or a snap-fit. The first base portion 41 may be formed from a more rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, low or high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), metal, glass, wood, etc.). The first base portion 41 may be coupled to the second base portion 42, as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the illustrative second base portion 42 of the illustrative cosmetic container 100. As discussed with reference to FIG. 10, the second base portion 42 may include the second, closed end 44. The second base portion 42 may be entirely formed from a single flexible material (e.g., silicone or thermoplastic elastomer), and may include the vent 47, such that in use, a user may cover the vent 47 and compress (e.g., squeeze) the sides of the second base portion 42 in an inward direction. The compression may provide a force to the piston 46, thereby causing the piston 46 and the cosmetic stick 15 to move in an upward direction relative to the second, closed end 44 of the base assembly 40, through the first, open end 43 of the base assembly 40 when the cap 60 is removed from the container 100. The first base portion 41 and the second base portion 42 may be coupled together via over-molding, bi-injection, adhesive, snap fit, or friction fit.

In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or 100 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, other polymers, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments may, however, include containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the cap, the collar, the base and/or the base assembly, may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed and/or for decorative purposes.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. As used in the above description and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The above described embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is intended that all the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations a fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combination cosmetic container and product comprising:

a base having a first open end and a second closed end, defining a cavity therebetween;

a solid stick cosmetic product adapted for placement within the cavity of the base;

a cap that is removably coupled to the base, the cap configured to engage with the first open end of the base to cover the solid stick cosmetic product and close the cosmetic container; and

wherein compression of the base in an inward direction causes the solid stick cosmetic product to advance through the first open end of the base when the cap is removed from the cosmetic container.

2. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 1, further comprising a piston adapted for placement within the base, the piston configured to hold the solid stick cosmetic product.

3. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 2, wherein the piston has a tapered bottom portion and wherein compression of the base in an inward direction in a region of the tapered bottom portion of the piston causes the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base, thereby advancing the solid stick cosmetic product through the first open end of the base when the cap is removed from the cosmetic container.

4. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 1, wherein the base is a base assembly including a first base portion and a second base portion.

5. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 4, wherein the first base portion is formed from a rigid material and the second base portion is formed from a flexible material.

6. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 4, wherein the second base portion includes a vent.

7. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 1, wherein the base is formed from a flexible material.

8. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 7, wherein the flexible material is silicone.

9. The combination cosmetic container and product of claim 1, wherein the first open end of the base includes one or more outer threads and the cap includes one or more inner threads, wherein the one or more inner threads of the cap are configured to engage with the one or more outer threads of the first open end of the base to close the cosmetic container.

10. A cosmetic container comprising:

a base having a first open end and a second closed end, defining a cavity therebetween;

a collar configured to engage with the open end of the base;

a piston adapted for placement within the cavity of the base and adapted to hold a cosmetic product between the piston and the open end of the base;

a cap that is removably coupled to the base, the cap configured to engage with the collar to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container;

wherein the base is entirely formed from a single flexible material; and

wherein compression of the base in an inward direction causes the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the flexible material is silicone.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the cap and the collar are formed from a rigid material.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the collar is coupled to the base via snap-fit.

14. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the piston has a tapered bottom portion and wherein the piston has substantially the same shape as the cavity within the base.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the cosmetic product takes the form of a cosmetic stick.

16. A cosmetic container comprising:

a base assembly including a first base portion and a second base portion, the base assembly having a first open end and a second closed end, defining a cavity therebetween;

a piston adapted for placement within the cavity of the base assembly and adapted to hold a cosmetic product between the piston and the first open end of the base assembly;

a cap that is removably coupled to the base assembly, the cap configured to engage with the first open end of the base assembly to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container;

wherein the first base portion is formed from a rigid material;

wherein the second base portion is formed from a flexible material; and

wherein compression of the second base portion in an inward direction causes the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base assembly.

17. The cosmetic container of claim 16, wherein the flexible material is silicone.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 16, further comprising a collar, wherein the collar is configured to engage with the first open end of the base assembly, and the cap is configured to engage with the collar to cover the cavity and close the cosmetic container.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 16, wherein the second base portion includes a vent, and covering the vent when compressing the second base portion in an inward direction causes the piston to move in an upward direction relative to the second closed end of the base assembly, and uncovering of the vent causes the piston to move back to its starting position.

20. The cosmetic container of claim 16, wherein the cosmetic product takes the form of a cosmetic stick.