COSMETICS CARRY SYSTEM

Abstract

A cosmetics carry system include a carrier that has an elongate body with openings at the opposite ends of the elongated body. At each end there are retaining features to non-permanently retain a small container of product in each end of the carrier. The containers can include a cap having an applicator that extends into the container. The retaining features are designed to allow the user to change the containers carried in the carrier so that the user can, for example, match color for lip gloss and nail polish. The carrier is a permanent member that can have decorative artwork on the outside, while the containers that are carried in the carrier can be disposable.

Claims

1. A cosmetics packaging and carry container system for carrying disposable containers of cosmetics, comprising: a carrier comprised of an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends at opposing terminal ends of the elongated body and defining an axis of the carrier between the first and second ends, the carrier further having a first cavity formed at the first end that extends into the elongated body coaxially on the axis of the carrier, and a second cavity formed at the second end that extends into the elongated body coaxially on the axis of the carrier, a first interference ridge is formed at the first end, and a second interference ridge is formed at the second end, and the first and second interference ridges are outward-facing; a first container having a body portion that defines an internal volume and that is sized to fit within the first cavity of the carrier, and including a first interference ridge that faces inward, and has a relief formed above the first interference ridge of the first end of the container that removably retains the first container in the first cavity by interference with the first interference ridge of the carrier, the first container further including a first cap configured to close the internal volume and including an applicator attached to the cap that extends into the internal volume; and a second container having a body portion that defines an internal volume and that is sized to fit within the second cavity of the carrier, and including a second interference ridge that faces inward, and has a relief formed above the second interference ridge of the second end of the container that removably retains the second container in the second cavity, the second container further including a second cap configured to close the internal volume and including an applicator attached to the cap that extends into the internal volume; wherein the first cap and the second cap each have a top that has an upper edge and an outermost surface at the upper edge across the top that is flat in a plane that, when the first and second cap are on the first and second containers to close the internal volume of the first and second containers respectively, is perpendicular to the axis of the carrier, and wherein the outermost surface of each of the first and second caps extends, around an entirety of the upper edge of each of the first and second caps, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the container, beyond an outside wall of the carrier.

2. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, wherein the outermost surfaces of the caps of the first and second containers each measure one inch across.

3. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, wherein the internal volume of the first container and the internal volume of the second container are each limited to 0.24 ounces.

4. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, wherein the carrier has a non-circular cross section.

5. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, wherein the outermost surface of the first and second caps is non-circular.

6. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, wherein the first and second interference ridges of the carrier extend only partway around the carrier, and the interference ridge of the first container and the interference ridge of the second container are likewise formed only partway around the first and second containers, respectively, thereby forming a stop portion that is configured to prevent the first and second containers from rotating in the carrier when mounted in the carrier.

7. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 1, further comprising: a metal weight component in the top of the first cap; and a metal weight component in the top of the second cap.

8. A cosmetics packaging and carry container system for carrying disposable containers of cosmetics, comprising: a carrier comprised of an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends at opposing terminal ends of the elongated body and defining an axis of the carrier between the first and second ends, the carrier further having a first cavity formed at the first end that extends into the elongated body coaxially on the axis of the carrier, and a second cavity formed at the second end that extends into the elongated body coaxially on the axis of the carrier, a first slot formed at the first end of the carrier at an inside surface of carrier, and a second slot formed at the second end of the carrier at an inside surface of carrier, wherein the first and second slots extend around the inside surface of the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the carrier; a first container having a body portion that defines an internal volume and that is sized to fit within the first cavity of the carrier, and including first cap threads at a top of the first container, and a first interference ridge on an outside of the first container below the first cap threads, the first interference ridge being configured to correspond with the first slot of the carrier, the first container further including a first cap configured to close the internal volume and including an applicator attached to the cap that extends into the internal volume; and a second container having a body portion that defines an internal volume and that is sized to fit within the second cavity of the carrier, and including second cap threads at a top of the second container, and a second interference ridge on an outside of the second container below the second cap threads, the second interference ridge being configured to correspond with the second slot of the carrier, the second container further including a second cap configured to close the internal volume and including an applicator attached to the cap that extends into the internal volume; wherein the first cap and the second cap each have a top that has an upper edge and an outermost surface at the upper edge across the top that is flat in a plane that, when the first and second cap are on the first and second containers to close the internal volume of the first and second containers respectively, is perpendicular to the axis of the carrier, and wherein the outermost surface of each of the first and second caps extends, around an entirety of the upper edge of each of the first and second caps, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the container, beyond an outside wall of the carrier.

9. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, further comprising: a metal weight component in the top of the first cap; and a metal weight component in the top of the second cap.

10. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, wherein the outermost surfaces of the caps of the first and second containers each measure one inch across.

11. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, wherein the internal volume of the first container and the internal volume of the second container are each limited to 0.24 ounces.

12. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, wherein the carrier has a non-circular cross section.

13. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, wherein the outermost surface of the first and second caps is non-circular.

14. The cosmetics packaging and carry container system of claim 8, wherein: the first interference ridge of the first container extends less than completely around the outside surface of the first container and the first slot extends less than completely around the inside surface of the carrier; and the second interference ridge of the second container extends less than completely around the outside surface of the second container and the second slot extends less than completely around the inside surface of the carrier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a cosmetics container system for carrying two different cosmetics together, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2A. shows a view of a cosmetics container system on its side on a surface;

[0023] FIG. 2B shows a view of a cosmetics container system standing on an end for applying a cosmetic, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a side cutaway view of a cap including a brush cosmetics applicator, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross section view of a carrier for a cosmetics container system where the carrier has a non-circular cross section, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0032] The present invention provides a novel and efficient cosmetics carrier system that allows a user to carry different selected ones of cosmetics. The system includes a carrier having an elongated hollow body that has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first container retaining feature is formed at the first end, and a second container retaining feature is formed at the second end. The first and second retaining features are configured to mate with corresponding respective retaining features of a first container and a second container, respectively, that are each sized to fit in, and be retained by, the carrier at the first and second ends.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of a cosmetics container system 100 for carrying two different cosmetics together, in accordance with some embodiments. The system 100 includes a carrier 102 in which two cartridges or containers can be retained, such as a first container 112 and a second container 116. The carrier 102 can be an elongated structure having openings at opposing ends 104, 106 of the carrier. The openings are contiguous with cavities 108, 110, respectively, inside the carrier. In some embodiments the container may be hollow, rather than defining two separate cavities 108, 110. The first container 112 defines an internal volume 114 in which a cosmetic product or other product (e.g. paint, glue) can be disposed. Likewise, the second container 116 defines a similar internal volume 118. The first container 112 can be closed by a cap 120 which can include an integral applicator 122, and a cap 124 with an applicator 126 can be used to close the second container 116.

[0034] The carrier 102 can be designed with artwork on the outside such as images, pictures, sports logos, well known artwork, and so on. In some embodiments the carrier 102 can be provided without any outside design or artwork, allowing the user to create their own such as by painting the exterior of the carrier 102. The carrier 102 is further designed to include retention features that mate with corresponding retention features of the first and second containers 112, 116 to removably retain the containers 112, 116 (or any similarly designed containers) in the carrier 102. The containers 112, 116 are retained such that the caps 120, 124 can be placed on, and removed from the containers 112, 116 while the container 112, 116 are retained within the carrier 102, without the containers 112, 116 coming out of the carrier 102 when the caps 120, 124 are removed. However, the containers 112, 116 are not permanently retained in the carrier 102, and the containers 112, 116 can be removed by the user. Thus, a user can choose which products to carry in the carrier 102, and can choose to change containers 112, 116 for other containers that hold different products, or to replace either container 112, 116 if they become empty. When a containers 112, 116 becomes depleted of the product, the container 112, 116 can be disposed of, replaced, refilled, or filled with a different product.

[0035] The caps 120, 124 can include applicators 122, 126, respectively, for applying the cosmetic material, or other material contained in the containers 112, 116. The applicators 122, 126 can include a stem that is terminated by a brush or pad, or any other known cosmetic applicator. The caps 120, 124 can screw onto a threaded portion of the respective containers 112, 116, to close and seal the containers 112, 116 to prevent loss of the material in the containers 112, 116. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the caps 120, 124 can have an outer planar surface that is normal to an axis of the carrier 102 that is sufficient to act as a base on which to stand the system 100 so that the container oriented upwards can be accessed by the user.

[0036] Accordingly, the system 100 allows a user to select different cartridges (e.g. containers like containers 112, 116) to be carried in the carrier 102. The user can decide what colors/shades of cosmetic, and what types of cosmetics to place in the carrier 102. This allows the user to keep a variety of containers at home, and select different ones for going to different places, events, or activities. The carrier 102 can be personalized and reusable while the containers 112, 116 can be disposable and replaced.

[0037] FIG. 2A. shows a view of a cosmetics container system 200 on its side on a surface 208. In this view the system 200 is assembled. The carrier 202 contains two containers disposed inside it at each of the opposed ends. A first cap 204 and a second cap 206 close off respective containers that are removably retained inside the carrier 202. In some embodiments the carrier 202 can have a circular cross section (i.e. in and out of the page in this view), and have an outer diameter 220 that can be on the order of one half of an inch. The caps 204, 206 can have a diameter 222 that is larger than the diameter 220 of the carrier 202 to allow the system 200 to be stood on one of the caps so that the container at the opposite side can be accessed as in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments the caps 204, 206 can be non-circular to prevent the system from rolling.

[0038] FIG. 2B shows a view of a cosmetics container system 200 standing on an end for applying a cosmetic, in accordance with some embodiments. In this orientation the system 200 is standing on cap 204 on the surface 208. Cap 206 can then be removed from its corresponding container 214 such as by unscrewing the cap. The cap 206 can include an applicator including a stem 210 and a brush 212 at the distal end of the stem 210. The container 214 can contain, for example, nail polish, lip gloss, or other such material, which can be applied using the cap 206. If the user wants to access the other container, sealed by cap 204, then cap 206 can be placed back on container 214, closed to seal the container 214, and then the system 200 can be inverted so that cap 206 is resting on surface 208. The caps 204, 206 can have a width or diameter that is sufficient to provide stability when the system is stood on end as shown. In some embodiments, for example, the carrier can have a diameter or width of about one half inch, and a length of about two to three inches, and the caps 204, 206 can have a diameter or width of three quarters of an inch to one inch.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system 300, in accordance with some embodiments. A carrier 302 includes a cavity 310 in which a container 304 is received. The container 304 is placed into the cavity 310, defined by the walls 308 of the container 304 and optionally an internal wall 328. The cavity 310 is contiguous with an opening 322 and at end of the carrier 302, and the carrier 304 is inserted as indicated by arrow 324. The container 304 has an internal volume 314 in which material such as a cosmetic product can be disposed. The internal volume 314 is defined by sidewalls 312, and is contiguous with an opening 320.

[0040] To removably retain the container 304 in the carrier 302, the carrier 302 includes a threaded top collar portion 306 with threads 330. The container 304 includes a corresponding collar 316 having mating threads 318 that engage threads 330. Thus, container 304 is placed into the cavity 310 so that threads 318 meet threads 330, and then the container 304 can be turned to further engage threads 330, 318 with each other until the container is snugly secured (e.g. finger tight). The collar 316 can fit within a recess between the threads 330 and the outer collar 332 in some embodiments, and in some embodiments the outer collar 332 can be left out (i.e. not present). To retain the cap on container 304, cap threads 326 are provided to engage similar threads on a cap (not shown).

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system 400, in accordance with some embodiments. A container 402 includes a cavity 406 within the carrier 402. An internal wall 416 may be present to define a bottom of the cavity 406. Threads 408 are formed at an open end of the carrier 402. A container 404 can be inserted into the cavity 406 such that a threaded portion 410 mates with threads 408. Again, the container 404 can be turned to engage threads 408 with those of 410. An internal volume 414 of container 404 can be accessed at an open end of the container 404, which can be secured by a cap that threads onto cap threads 412.

[0042] In general, embodiments such as those exemplified by systems 300 & 400 show that a container can be retained in a carrier by threaded engagement, and the container can further provide threads to engage and retain a cap to seal the container. FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of embodiments where the containers are retained by mechanical interference.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system 500, in accordance with some embodiments. A carrier 502 includes a cavity or hollow portion 504 bounded by sidewalls of the carrier 502. The cavity extends out to an opening 506 at an end of the carrier 502, into which a container 512 can be inserted. An interference ridge 508 is formed around the circumference, or most of the circumference, of the end of the carrier 502, around the opening 506, or near the opening. Below the interference ridge 508 is a relief 510. The container 512 includes a collar 516 that extends around, or mostly around, the circumference of the container 512 near the top of the container 512. the collar 516 includes an interference ridge 518 and a relief 520 above the interference ridge 518. The interference ridge 518 faces inward, and interference ridge 508 on the container 502 faces outward. When the container 512 is inserted into the cavity 504 of the carrier 502, interference ridge 518 meets interference ridge 508 as they are sized and located to interfere with each other. The collar 516 is made of a plastically deformable material that allow it to be deflected outward so that interference ridge 518 can move past interference ridge 508 into relief 510, and likewise interference ridge 508 will then be located in relief 520, thereby retaining the container 512 in the carrier 502. The container 512 can include cap threads 522 to receive a cap which can be used to push the container 512 into the carrier 502, as well as to pull the container 512 out of the carrier 502. To prevent the container 512 from spinning inside the carrier 502 when the cap is screwed on or off the container 512, the interference ridge 518 and 508 can extend only partially around the container and carrier, with stop portions on each of the container 512 and carrier 502 that mate and prevent turning of the container 512 in the carrier 502.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system 600, in accordance with some embodiments. Embodiments in accordance with the example of FIG. 6, like FIG. 5, use interference to retain a container in a carrier. Accordingly, carrier 602 includes a cavity or space 604 in which a container 610 is received and retained. The carrier includes circumferential relief slots 606, 608 which extend into the wall of the carrier 602. The relief slots 606, 608 can be separated by stop gaps 618 that are simply portions of the wall of the carrier 602.

[0045] The container 610 includes an internal volume 612 in which a cosmetic or other product can be disposed. Near the top portion of the container 610, interference ridges 614, 616 are formed which protrude slightly from the outside of the container 610. Interference ridges 614, 616 are located under the cap threads 622 that are on the outside of the container 610 at the top of the container 610. As the container 610 is inserted into the cavity 604 of the carrier 602, the interference ridges meet the lip 619 of the container, and are deflected inward due to the plastic resilience of the material used to form the container 610. The container can then be further moved into the cavity 604 until the interference ridges 614, 616, which are below the cap threads 622 and on the outside of the container, enter into slots 606, 608, respectively. The outward force of the walls of the container 610, which have been deflected inwards as the ridges 614, 616 move downward past the lip 619, force the ridges 614, 616 into the slots 606, 608. A portion 620 of the outside of the container 610 lacks an interference ridge protrusion, and corresponds with stop gap 618 in the inside wall of the carrier 602, which acts to prevent the container 610 from turning in the cavity 604, such as when the cap is screwed on or off the container 610 on the cap threads 622. The interference of the ridges 614, 616 against the inner wall of the carrier 602 while the ridge 614, 616 are in slots 606, 608 retains the container 610 in the cavity 604. However, a sufficient force can again overcome the interference, by pulling the container out of the carrier 602, to remove the container 610 from the carrier 602.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a side cutaway view of a cosmetics container system 700, in accordance with some embodiments. The system 700 uses a similar embodiment to that exemplified in FIG. 6 to further show inclusion of the cap with an applicator. Accordingly, a carrier 702 has a cavity in which a container is disposed. The container is defined by a wall 706. The carrier 702 has ridges 704 formed in the inner wall of the carrier. The cavity in the carrier 702 is sized to snugly receive the outer dimension of the container wall 706 in close proximity. Ridges 708 on the outside of the container wall 706 mate with, and protrude into the slots 704 to form an interference retention of the container in the carrier 702. The container further includes cap threads 710 which mate and engage with corresponding threads 714 of a cap 712 to allow the cap 712 to be screwed on and off the container to seal the container and allow access to the contents of the container. The cap 712 can include a applicator comprised of a stem 716 and a brush 718 at the distal end of the stem 716. Other types of applicators besides brushes can be used equivalently.

[0047] To insert a container into the carrier 702, the bottom of the container, which is opposite the cap, is inserted into the carrier 702, and moved further into the carrier until the ridge 708 meets the lip of the carrier 702. A slightly greater force is then used to deflect the ridges 708 inward so that the container can be moved further into to carrier 702 until the ridge 708 mates with the slot 704. Likewise, a person can grip the cap 712 to pull the container out of the carrier 702 by exerting enough force to overcome the interference of the ridge 708 with the inner wall of the carrier 702.

[0048] Accordingly, there are a variety of ways in which a disposable container or cartridge can be removably retained in a carrier. In some embodiments the container can include threads that mate with corresponding threads in the carrier. In some embodiments the container can be retained by interference. Other features to retain the container so that it can be used, and then removed by a user, will be contemplated by those skilled in the art which operate equivalently to the several examples described here. The system thereby allows a user to select which containers, and therefore which cosmetic products, are carried in the carrier, at any given time. The user can switch out containers for other container to carry different shades or different types of cosmetics, or to replace empty containers. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the containers can have an internal volume of about 0.24 ounces.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows a side cutaway view of a cap 800 including a brush cosmetics applicator, in accordance with some embodiments. The cap 800 includes a top 802 which is gripped and held by a user. The top can be made of a plastic material that is molded to the desired shape. The top has an outer surface 818 that is flat at an upper edge 814 of the top 802 across the top 802. A side 804 of the top 802 extends from the upper edge 814 to a lower edge 816 which meets a lower surface 820 that is opposite the outermost surface 818. On the side 804 of the top 802 there can be friction features such as knurling to enhance a user's grip. The cap 800 includes a stem 806 which extends form the lower surface 820 and can have a brush 808 or other structure for carrying cosmetics material or other material that may be disposed in the container to be applied. To retain the cap 800 on a container, the top 802 can further include threads 810 at the lower surface 820 that mate with corresponding threads of a container. Since the cap 802 is intended, in some embodiments, to act as a base, the top 802 can include a weight 812 in the top 802 to help keep the carrier from tipping over when being used as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The weight 812 can be a metal component, such as mild steel. Furthermore, to facilitate using the caps as a base, the outermost surface 818 of each of the caps each extends, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the container, around the entirety of the upper edge 814, beyond an outside wall of the carrier when the cap is threaded onto its respective container.

[0050] FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross section views of carriers for a cosmetics container systems where the carriers have a non-circular cross section, in accordance with some embodiments. In FIG. 9A, the carrier has a rectangular or square cross section 900, forming a corresponding carrier 901. In FIG. 9B the carrier has a triangular cross section 902, forming a corresponding carrier 903. Numerous other shapes will occur to those skilled in the art. One function of a non-circular cross section as shown is that containers, which have a corresponding exterior shape to match the interior shape of the non-circular carrier, will not spin within the carrier when the cap is screw on or off the container.

[0051] Accordingly the disclosed packaging and carry container system provides the benefit of allowing a user to change and/or replace containers of product in a small, carry system suitable for products such as cosmetics. A user can, for example, insert a container for lip gloss and a container for nail polish that color match, and carry the system for touchups throughout the day. The system is intended to be small, with the volumes of the containers being on the order of one quarter of an ounce, and the system having a length on the order of three inches or less and a diameter of the carrier of about half an inch or less. By making the external portion of the system a permanently kept item, the containers that fit within the carrier can be made of more disposable materials without inks or dyes. Compared to conventional cosmetics packaging systems, the disclosed system can greatly reduce the amount of waste resulting from cosmetics sales and marketing. For example, nail polish is typically sold in small glass bottles, and include a cap with an applicator. In the disclosed system the waste is lighter, more recyclable, and requires less volume to ship a given quantity of product over conventional packaging while still allowing the user to have decorative and attractive carriers.