COSMETIC DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

A product pan includes a cavity including a strip configured to pivot relative to a bottom portion and a mesh member extending a cross the cavity. The mesh member is configured to distribute a force applied to the strip or to the mesh member across an upper surface of a product contained within the cavity by pivoting the strip. A housing includes a bezel including a chamber for the product pan, the chamber having a front access port and a port cover configured to selectively cover the front access port. A cosmetic compact assembly includes a product pan including a strip configured to move between a resting position and a use position and a housing having a front access port positioned adjacent the strip.

Claims

1. A product pan comprising: a cavity defined by a bottom portion, a side portion, and a strip, the strip configured to pivot relative to the bottom portion; a product disposed within the cavity and having an upper surface; and a mesh member coupled with the side portion and the strip to extend across the cavity, the mesh member configured to distribute a force applied to the strip or to the mesh member across the upper surface of the product by pivoting the strip.

2. The product pan of claim 1, the strip being formed integrally with the bottom portion.

3. The product pan of claim 1, the strip being discrete from and connected to the bottom portion.

4. The product pan of claim 1, the mesh member having a porosity determined at least in part by a viscosity of the product.

5. The product pan of claim 1, the side portion being immobile relative to the bottom portion.

6. The product pan of claim 1, the bottom portion including a first side edge, a back edge, a second side edge, and a front edge, the side portion connected to the bottom portion at the first side edge, the back edge, and the second side edge, and the strip connected to the bottom portion at the front edge.

7. The product pan of claim 6, the side portion including a first side surface, a back surface, and a second side surface, the first side surface connected to the first side edge of the bottom portion, the back surface connected to the back edge of the bottom portion, and the second side surface connected to the second side edge of the bottom portion.

8. The product pan of claim 1, the strip configured to pivot between approximately 10 and 45 degrees relative to the bottom portion upon application of the force.

9. The product pan of claim 1, the strip comprising a flexible material.

10. A housing for a product pan, the housing comprising: a bezel having a chamber for the product pan, the chamber defined by a base, a lateral boundary surface, and a front access port, the front access port having an open area with a perimeter defined by the base and the lateral boundary surface; a casing in which the bezel is disposed; a port cover configured to selectively cover the front access port; and a cap connected to the casing and configured to selectively cover the bezel.

11. The housing of claim 10, the port cover rotatably connected to the cap.

12. The housing of claim 10, the port cover rotatably connected to the casing.

13. The housing of claim 12, the cap having a top surface, and the port cover comprising a shield for the open area of the front access port and a lip disposed at an angle relative to the shield, the lip positioned adjacent the front surface of the cap when the port cover covers the front access port.

14. The housing of claim 10 further comprising a storage compartment for an applicator.

15. The housing of claim 14, the storage compartment disposed between the casing and the cap, a resting surface for the applicator provided in the casing.

16. The housing of claim 15, the casing having a bottom surface, and an applicator opening provided in the bottom surface to access the storage compartment.

17. A cosmetic compact assembly comprising: a product pan having a cavity defined at least in part by a strip configured to move between a resting position and a use position, a product disposed within the cavity and having an upper surface, and a mesh member extending across the cavity and configured to distribute a force applied to the strip or to the mesh member across the upper surface of the product when the strip is in the use position; and a housing in which the product pan is disposed, a front access port of the housing positioned adjacent the strip of the product pan.

18. The cosmetic compact assembly of claim 17 further comprising an applicator, the housing including a storage compartment in which the applicator is disposed.

19. The cosmetic compact assembly of claim 18, the applicator including a first head selectively connected to a body, the first head and the body positioned along a longitudinal axis, the first head configured to rotate relative to the body around the longitudinal axis.

20. The cosmetic compact assembly of claim 17, the cosmetic compact assembly further comprising a second head, the second head configured to connect with the body interchangeably with the first head, the second head having at least one of a different shape, size, texture, or material composition than the first head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of one, more than one, or any combination of the approaches described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example product pan including a mesh in accordance with various examples.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first example product pan of FIG. 1 in a use position when a force is applied by an applicator to the mesh.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a strip of a second example product pan in a resting position before a force is applied.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the strip of the second example product pan of FIG. 3 in a use position when a force is applied.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first example cosmetic compact assembly including a product pan and a housing when an applicator is in use.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first example cosmetic compact assembly of FIG. 5 with the applicator stored.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the first example cosmetic compact assembly.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a first example applicator.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a first head of the first example applicator of FIG. 8.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a second head of the first example applicator of FIG. 8.

[0033] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible examples are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various approaches, a product pan is provided that facilitates distribution of a product onto the applicator. By including a mesh member that can distribute a force across an upper surface of the product, the product pan ensures that product is dispersed from all areas of the cavity. As a result, product is not retained in difficult-to-reach areas, such as corners and edges of the cavity, which reduces product waste and/or difficulty in accessing retained product. The distribution of the force by the mesh member also results in product being more easily accessed by the applicator such that the product is more optimally placed upon the applicator for subsequent use. Further, the distribution of the force by the mesh member allows a more consistent ratio between the force applied and the quantity of product distributed to be achieved such that a user can more easily calibrate the force used to avoid collecting too little or too much product on the applicator during use. A housing for the product pan that includes a bezel having a front access port provides easier access to the cavity of the product pan, which is particularly useful for certain types of applicators such as those with a rolling head. The front access port also allows a user to exert a force upon a strip of a product pan, which is then distributed by the mesh member. In some approaches, the strip is configured to pivot relative to a bottom portion of the cavity when the force is applied. The pivoting of the strip enables the mesh member to distribute the force more evenly across the upper surface of the product because the movement of the mesh member is less constrained than would be the case with an immobile strip.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a product pan 100 includes a cavity 102 and a mesh member 104. The cavity 102 is defined by a strip 106, a side portion 108, and a bottom portion 110. The strip 106 is configured to pivot, bend, flex, or otherwise move relative to the bottom portion 110. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the strip 106 is in a resting position. A product 112 is disposed within the cavity 102 and has an upper surface 114. A mesh member 104 is coupled with the side portion 108 and the strip 106 to extend across the cavity 102. The mesh member 104 is configured to distribute a force applied to the strip 106 or to the mesh member 104 across the upper surface 114 of the product 112. The force may be distributed by causing the strip 106 to pivot. Alternately, the force may be distributed by the mesh member 104 without the strip 106 pivoting.

[0036] As shown by comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, in the arrangement depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a force exerted by an applicator 118 on the mesh member 104 causes the strip 106 to pivot. A direct force exerted by the applicator 118 on the strip 106 would likewise cause the strip 106 to pivot. The pivoting of the strip 106 lowers the strip 106 toward the upper surface 114 of the product 112, and because the mesh member 104 is coupled with the strip 106, the mesh member 104 is likewise lowered. As the strip 106 pivots, the mesh member 104 moves from a position above the upper surface 114 of the product 112 to being in contact with the upper surface 114 of the product 112. The pivoting of the strip 106 facilitates the entirety of the mesh member 104 coming into contact within the upper surface 114 of the product 112 as opposed to merely portions of the mesh member 104 underneath and directly adjacent to the applicator 118. Contact between the mesh member 104 and the upper surface 114 of the product 112 causes a quantity of product 112 to extrude through the mesh member 104 for easy collection by the applicator 118 by, for example, rolling across the mesh member 104.

[0037] The strip 106 is configured to pivot between approximately 10 and 45 degrees relative to the bottom portion 110 upon application of a force in some arrangements, though pivoting outside this range is also possible in other arrangements. The strip may comprise a flexible material. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strip 106 is formed integrally with the bottom portion 110. However, in other arrangements, the strip 116 may be discrete from and connected to the bottom portion 110. The side portion 108 is immobile relative to the bottom portion. In some arrangements, the strip 106 may be overmolded onto the side portion 108 and/or the bottom portion 110.

[0038] The porosity of the mesh member 104 may depend on the viscosity of the desired product 112. For example, a more viscous product 112 may require a mesh member 104 having larger openings in order to allow an adequate quantity of the product 112 to be extruded through the mesh member 104. A less viscous product 112 may require a mesh member 104 having smaller openings in order to prevent too much product 112 from being extruded through the mesh member 104. Other factors such as the purpose of the product 112, the type of applicator 118 (e.g., a sponge, a brush, an applicator with a handle, an applicator without a handle), and the like, may also influence the desired mesh porosity.

[0039] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrates an empty product pan 200. Features shared with the product pan 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are referred to by the same reference number increased by one hundred. After their initial introduction, common features are not described in substantial detail for subsequent arrangements. Unique features are identified by unique reference numbers. Any combination or sub-combination of features described in regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 may be incorporated into the product pan 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4, and vice-versa.

[0040] The product pan 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a bottom portion 210 having a first side edge 220, a back edge 222, a second side edge 224, and a front edge 226. The side portion 208 is connected to the bottom portion 210 at the first side edge 220, the back edge 222, and the second side edge 224. In particular, the side portion includes a first side surface 226 connected to the first side edge 220 of the bottom portion 210, a back surface 228 connected to the back edge 222 of the bottom portion 210, and a second side surface 230 connected to the second side edge 224 of the bottom portion 210. The strip 206 is connected to the bottom portion 210 at the front edge 226. As shown, the strip 206 can pivot from the rest position shown in FIG. 3 to the use position shown in FIG. 4.

[0041] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate a cosmetic compact assembly 301. Features shared with the product pan 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and/or the product pan 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are referred to by the same reference number increased by one hundred. After their initial introduction, common features are not described in substantial detail for subsequent arrangements. Unique features are identified by unique reference numbers. Any combination or sub-combination of features described in regard to FIGS. 1 to 4 may be incorporated into the cosmetic compact assembly of FIGS. 5-7, and vice-versa.

[0042] The cosmetic compact assembly 301 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a housing 332 for a product pan 300. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, like the product pans 100 and 200, the product pan 300 includes a cavity 302 defined at least in part by a strip 306 (covered in product 312) configured to move between a resting position and a use position. The product 312 is disposed within the cavity and has an upper surface 314. A mesh member 304 (covered in product 312) extends across the cavity 302 and is configured to distribute a force applied to the strip 306 or to the mesh member 304 across the upper surface 314 of the product 312 when the strip 306 is in the use position.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing includes a bezel 334 having a chamber 336 for the product pan 300. The chamber 336 is defined by a base 338, a lateral boundary surface 340, and a front access port 342. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lateral boundary surface 340 has three portions 341a, 341b, and 341c forming three sides of a rectangular cube. The front access port 342 has an open area 343 with a perimeter 345 defined by the base 338 and the lateral boundary surface 340. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the open area 343 of the front access port 342 replaces what would otherwise be a fourth side of the rectangular cube formed by the lateral boundary surface 342. The front access port 342 is positioned adjacent the strip 306 of the product pan 300. The bezel 334 is disposed in a casing 316. A port cover 344 is configured to selectively cover the front access port 342. A cap 346 is connected to the casing 316 and is configured to selectively cover the bezel 334. A mirror 347 may be provided inside the cap 346 to assist a user with application of the product 312.

[0044] The port cover 344 and the cap 342 can each rotate from an open position that facilitates access to the product pan 300 and a closed position that prevents access to the product pan 300. The port cover 344 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is rotatably connected to the casing 316. In other arrangements, the port cover 344 may be rotatably connected to the cap 346. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cap 342 has a front surface 348. The port cover 344 has a shield 350 for the open area 343 of the front access port 342 and a lip 352 disposed at an angle relative to the shield 350. The lip 352 is positioned adjacent the front surface 348 of the cap 346 when the port cover 344 covers the front access port 342.

[0045] FIGS. 6 and 7 best illustrate a storage compartment 354 for the applicator 318. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage compartment 354 is disposed between the casing 316 and the cap 346. As shown in FIG. 7, a resting surface 356 is provided for the applicator 318 within the casing 316. The casing 316 has a bottom surface 356, and an applicator opening 358 is provided in the bottom surface 356 to access the storage compartment 354. As shown, the applicator opening 358 may be sized to allow the applicator 318 to slide into the storage compartment 354 and be retained within the storage compartment 354 until needed.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates the applicator 318. As shown, the applicator 318 includes a body 360 having a longitudinal axis A, a first end 362, and a second end 364. A first head 366 is selectively connected to the body 360 at the first end 362. The first head 366 is configured to rotate relative to the body 360 around the longitudinal axis A. The second end 364 may include a surface 368 that may be used for blending, wiping, mixing, applying, or blotting by a user. The surface 368 may be formed integrally with the body 360 and treated with a surface treatment that provides a desired texture or ability to absorb, or the surface 368 may be provided separately and connected to the second end 364.

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates the first head 366. The first head 366 is substantially conical and includes a first exterior 368 that is textured with a flocking material. FIG. 10 illustrates a second head 370 that can be connected to the body 360 of the applicator 318 after the first head 366 is removed. The second head 370 includes a second exterior 372 that is substantially ellipsoidal and an extension 374 spacing the second exterior 372 from the first end 362 of the body 360 of the applicator 318. The second head 370 is configured to connect with the body 360 interchangeably with the first head 366. Because the second head 370 may have at least one of a different shape, size, texture, or material composition than the first head 366, a user is able to use the applicator 318 for a variety of different application techniques and products.

[0048] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

[0049] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0050] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises, comprising. has, having. includes, including. contains, containing or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by comprises . . . a, has . . . a, includes . . . a, contains . . . a does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms a and an are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms substantially, essentially, approximately, about or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term coupled as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0051] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0052] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as means for or step for language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).