DUAL JAR COSMETIC CONTAINER

Abstract

A cosmetic container that includes a lid assembly and first and second jars each configured to hold a cosmetic product. The lid assembly includes an inner lid divided into two sections by a dividing wall. The first and second jars are connectable to the first and second sections, forming a single container. The lid assembly forms a barrier between the first and second jars and allows the jars to be opened separately.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container comprising: first and second jars each having a body with a closed end and a neck with an open end, the open end extending into a cavity within the body for holding product; and a lid assembly configured for coupling to the first and second jars, the lid assembly including: an inner lid divided into first and second sections by a dividing wall, the first and second sections each having an internal element configured to mate with the neck of one of the first and second jars; an outer lid disposed over the inner lid.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the neck of each of the first and second jars includes external threading and the internal element of each of the first and second sections includes internal threading configured to engage the external threading on the first and second jars.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the outer lid is removably coupled to the inner lid.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the inner lid includes one or more first mating element and the outer lid includes one or more second mating element configured to mate with the one or more first mating element such that the inner and outer lids are connected in a non-rotational engagement.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 4, wherein the one or more first mating element includes one or more protrusion and the one or more second mating element includes one or more recess configured to receive the one or more protrusion.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 5, wherein the one or more protrusion includes separate horizontal and vertical protrusions and the one or more recess includes separate horizontal and vertical recesses.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the body of the first jar has a first width, the body of the second jar has a second width, and the outer lid has a third width, wherein the first, second, and third widths are the same.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 7, wherein a height of at least one of the first and second jars is less than its width.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the first and second jars have the same outer dimensions.

10. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the first and second jars have different size cavities.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second jars has a cavity divided into two or more compartments.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 1, further comprising at least one liner sized to cover the cavity within the body of at least one of the first and second jars.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 12, wherein the liner is configured to form an air-tight seal between the jar in which the liner is placed and the inner lid when the inner lid is engaged with the jar in which the liner is placed.

14. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the dividing wall of the inner lid includes one or more openings therethrough.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the dividing wall forms a barrier preventing a first product in the cavity of the first jar from contacting a second product in the cavity of the second jar.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein an entirety of the neck of the first jar is disposed within the first section of the inner lid.

17. A cosmetic container comprising: first and second jars each having a body with a closed end and a neck with an open end, the open end extending into a cavity within the body for holding product; and a lid configured for coupling to the first and second jars, the lid having an internal space divided into first and second sections by a dividing wall, the first and second sections each having an internal element configured to mate with the neck of one of the first and second jars, the dividing wall forming a barrier preventing a first product in the cavity of the first jar from contacting a second product in the cavity of the second jar.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 17, wherein an entirety of the neck of the first jar is disposed within the first section of the lid and an entirety of the neck of the second jar is disposed within the second section of the lid.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 17, wherein the body of the first jar has a first width, the body of the second jar has a second width, and the lid has a third width, wherein the first, second, and third widths are the same.

20. The cosmetic container of claim 19, wherein a height of at least one of the first and second jars is less than its width.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] 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:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative cosmetic container with first and second jars;

[0033] FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of another illustrative cosmetic container;

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4A is a perspective top view of the inner lid of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 4B is a perspective bottom view of the inner lid of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the outer lid of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative inner and outer lid assembly;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective top cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the upper jar removed; and

[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective top cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the lower jar removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cosmetic container 10 in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown at FIG. 1, the cosmetic container 10 may include first and second containers, receptacles, or jars 100, 110 and a lid assembly 115. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the width W of the jars 100, 110 at their widest portion is the same as the width of the lid assembly 115, resulting in a cosmetic container 10 having a generally constant width W along the height H of the container 10. The cosmetic container 10 may be cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross section, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in which case the diameter of the cosmetic container 10 will be the same as the width W shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the cosmetic container 10 may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or any other desired shape.

[0043] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A, the cosmetic container 10 may include a top, upper, or first jar 100 and a bottom, lower, or second jar 110, each having a body 106, 116 defining a closed bottom end of the jar and a neck 108, 118 extending from the body. The neck 108, 118 defining an open top end of the jar. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the neck 108, 118 may have a diameter less than the diameter of the body 106, 116. The neck 108, 118 of each jar 100, 110 may have external threading 102, 112. Each jar may have a cavity 104, 114 configured to receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams or lotions (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, solid perfume, and the like.

[0044] The lid assembly 115 may include an outer lid 120 and an inner lid 140. The internal space of the inner lid 140 may be divided into first and second sections by a dividing wall 146, with each section having an internal element, such as internal threading 142, configured to mate with the neck of one of the jars. For example, internal threading 142 on the inner lid 140 may threadingly mate with the external threading 102, 112 on the neck 108, 118 of each jar 100, 110. The threading 102, 112 on the jars 100, 110 and the internal threading 142 on the inner lid 140 may include continuous or discontinuous threads, and may include locking mechanisms such as slots or grooves that mate with corresponding protrusions on the opposing jar or lid. The jars 100, 110 and the inner lid 140 may alternatively be coupled with a snap connector, friction fit, or other suitable connection (not shown). The threading 102, 112 on the jars 100, 110 may be the same such that either jar may be threaded onto either section of the inner lid 140. This may allow the user to separate both jars 100, 110 from the lid assembly 115 and then reassemble the container 10 without worrying about which jar must be attached to each section of the inner lid 140. Alternatively, each jar 100, 110 may only fit in one section of the inner lid 140.

[0045] The two piece lid assembly 115 including an inner lid 140 and an outer lid 120 may allow for different materials to be used for the two lid sections, which may provide different properties. An inner lid 140 may be made of a material having a desired mechanical engagement with ajar, such as a smooth threading engagement, while the outer lid 120 may be made of a material having a desired decorative finish. In a non-limiting example, the outer lid 120 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) with or without styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) to provide a lustrous finish and the option of various decoration processes to achieve a desired look for the cosmetic container 10. The inner lid 140 may be made of a material, such as polypropylene (PP), which may have a less desirable finish and limited decoration options, but may provide a smooth threading engagement with a jar that is made of a hard plastic such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalates (PCT, PCTG, PCTA) or polyethylene terephthlates (PET, PETE, PETG). A jar made of PMMA or PETG may produce a squeaky sound when rotatably engaged with an ABS/SAN lid. The use of a PP inner lid 140 may provide an enhanced mechanical and/or sealing interaction with the hard plastic jar, while the ABS/SAN outer lid 120 may provide a desired decorative finish. It will be understood that the above example is non-limiting and that many other materials may be used for the jar and inner and outer lids.

[0046] It is also contemplated that the cosmetic container may have a single piece lid or a lid assembly containing more than two pieces (not shown). A single piece lid would include the interior features of the inner lid 140, but have a generally smooth outer surface, as is shown for the outer lid 120. A three or more piece lid assembly (not shown) may include one or more outer lid elements coupled to first and second inner lids, with each inner lid engaging one of the jars. For example, each jar may be connectable to an inner lid that is in turn connected to an outer lid, where the two outer lids are coupled to each other.

[0047] In some examples, one or both of the jars may include two or more sections or compartments separated by a dividing wall. The example shown in FIG. 2B has the upper jar 100 with a single cavity 104 and the lower jar 310 having two compartments 325, 314 defined by a dividing wall 330. While the cosmetic container 30 is illustrated as including two compartments 325, 314 in jar 310, one or both of the jars 100, 310 may include any number of compartments 325, 314 as desired, such as, but not limited to, one, two, three, four, or more. It is contemplated that the compartments 325, 314 may be removable and/or interchangeable, as desired.

[0048] The first jar 100 and the second jar 110 may be identical, with the same outer and inner dimensions, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, or the jars may be different. In other examples, the body dimensions of the first and second jars may be different, with identical neck dimensions such that both jars are attachable to either section of the inner lid (not shown). In still other examples, the jars may have the same outer dimensions but have cavities with different sizes. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, one jar 310 may have compartments 325, 314 that are shallower than the cavity 104 of the other jar 100. In other examples, the cavities may have different widths, with thicker necks so the outer dimension of the threaded necks are the same for both jars. This may allow jars with different size and/or shape cavities to be connected to the lid assembly 115 with either jar connected to either side of the lid assembly 115. A dual jar container with different size cavities may be desirable for products used together in generally different amounts, such as eye shadow and eye liner or foundation and concealer.

[0049] The design may be considered modular to the extent that the two jars 100, 110 can be replaced individually as desired. For example, an original point of sale may have the two jars 100, 110 and the lid assembly 115 in one unit, with available refill jars that can replace either jar 100, 110 once the cosmetic product is consumed in one or the other jar. In this way, one jar can be replaced, without having to replace the entire item or discard the unused cosmetic product in whichever jar that has not been fully used.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the cosmetic container 10 may include a first jar 100 and a second jar 110, each with external threading 102, 112 configured to engage internal threading 142 on the inner lid 140. The lid assembly 115 may include an inner lid 140 and an outer lid 120. The dividing wall 146 of the inner lid 140 separates the interior space of the inner lid 140 into the first and second sections. In the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the dividing wall 146 separates the interior of the inner lid 140 into sections of similar size and configuration, although this is not required. FIG. 4A shows the inner lid 140 from the top and FIG. 4B shows the bottom view of the inner lid 140. When first and second jars are coupled to the inner lid 140, the dividing wall 146 may separate the open ends of the first and second jars. In some examples, the dividing wall 146 may have one or more openings 149 therethrough. The cosmetic container 10 may include one or more liner 160 sized to cover the neck 108, 118 of one or both of the jars, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The liner 160 may form an air-tight seal over the cavity 104, 114 as it is compressed between the neck 108, 118 and the dividing wall 146. In other examples, the liner 160 may fit within the cavity 104, 114, directly in contact with product. When the product is powder, a liner 160 resting directly on the powder may help keep the product in the jar when the jar is separated from the lid assembly 115. Finally, both a liner to create a seal with the jar, as well as a liner over the product, may be used simultaneously.

[0051] The inner lid 140 and the outer lid 120 may be coupled in a non-rotatable engagement. In some examples, the outer lid 120 may be removably coupled to the inner lid 140. This may allow for interchangeable outer lids with different colors or designs. For example, the container 10 may be provided with two or more outer lids 120, allowing the user to select a desired outer lid and couple it to the inner lid 140. In other examples, the inner lid 140 and the outer lid 120 are permanently attached, such as with adhesive. The inner lid 140 may include one or more protrusion and the outer lid 120 may include one or more groove, channel, or recess configured to receive the protrusion on the inner lid 140, thereby coupling the inner and outer lids 140, 120 and preventing rotation of the lids relative to one another. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the inner lid 140 may include a plurality of generally horizontal protrusions 148 spaced apart around the outer surface 147 of the inner lid 140. The outer lid 120 as illustrated may include a plurality of generally horizontal recesses 124 configured to receive the protrusions 148 on the inner lid 140. In some examples, the inner lid 140 may also include a plurality of generally vertical protrusions 144 spaced apart around the outer surface 147, and the outer lid 120 may have a plurality of generally vertical recesses 122 configured to receive the protrusions 144. Other sizes, shapes, orientations, and distributions of protrusions and corresponding recesses are also contemplated, as desired.

[0052] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the inner lid 240 has threading 242 similar to the inner lid 140 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and a dividing wall 246 separating the interior of the inner lid 240 into two sections for receiving the necks 108, 118 of first and second jars 100, 110 in threaded engagement. However, the dividing wall 246 shown in FIG. 6 is solid, devoid of any openings therethrough. It is further contemplated that the dividing wall 246 may be replaced by or otherwise include a mirror and/or an applicator. The inner lid 240 has an outer surface 247 with protrusions 244, 248 disposed thereon, in a different arrangement than that shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Similarly, the outer lid 220 shown in FIG. 6 has a different arrangement of recesses 222, 224 configured to receive the protrusions 244, 248, respectively.

[0053] In use, one or both jars 100, 110 may be separated from the lid assembly 115. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cosmetic container with the upper jar 100 removed, showing the liner 160 in place over the dividing wall 146. Lower jar 110 remains coupled with the lid assembly 115. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cosmetic container with the upper jar 100 coupled with the lid assembly 115 and the lower jar 110 removed.

[0054] The terms top or upper and bottom or lower are not intended to limit the cosmetic container 10 to a particular orientation. The two jars 100, 110 may be the same or similar in size, shape, and/or configuration, and the cosmetic container 10 may be stored and/or opened with either jar on top, although this is not required. Alternatively the two jars 100, 110 may vary in size, depth, and/or internal structure or shape. For example, one jar 100, 110 may be larger than the other by virtue of having a greater depth. The total combined structure 110, 115, 120 may be cylindrical as shown or may have a greater width on one end and a lesser width on the other. The diameter of each piece may vary, for example by having each jar 100, 110 have a wider base than top using a taper or curvature, as desired.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, thermosets, 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 jars may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.

[0056] 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 therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.