Container for a cosmetic product

A container for dispensing a cosmetic product includes a first container member and a second container member shaped and dimensioned for coupling together so as to define a cavity therebetween for storing a cosmetic product. The first container member includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The first container member further includes an apex having an aperture formed therein and an open end opposite the apex, the open end defining a circumferential free edge that is opposite the aperture. A plurality of ribs radially extend from the interior surface of the first container member toward a central axis running through a center of the aperture such that the plurality of ribs define an elongated passageway extending on the central axis. Each of the plurality of ribs includes an edge attached to the interior surface, a free edge and a supporting edge shaped and dimensioned for supporting cosmetic product above the supporting edge after cosmetic product is gravity fed through the passageway. A plug covers the aperture after the cosmetic product has been fed into the cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to container for a cosmetic product. In particular, the invention relates to a container for a lip balm product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a container for dispensing a cosmetic product. The container includes a first container member and a second container member shaped and dimensioned for coupling together so as to define a cavity therebetween for storing a cosmetic product. The first container member includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, as well as an apex having an aperture formed therein and an open end opposite the apex. The open end includes a circumferential free edge that is opposite the aperture wherein the interior surface extends between the aperture and the open end. A plurality of ribs radially extend inwardly from the interior surface of the first container member toward a central axis running through a center of the aperture such that the plurality of ribs define an elongated passageway extending on the central axis. Each of the plurality of ribs includes an edge attached to the interior surface, a free edge and a supporting edge shaped and dimensioned for supporting cosmetic product above the supporting edge after cosmetic product is gravity fed through the passageway. A plug covers the aperture after the cosmetic product has been fed into the cavity.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a container including a cosmetic product stored within the cavity.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container wherein the second container member includes a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, wherein the open end includes a circumferential free edge.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container wherein the circumferential free edge of the second container member includes threads which mate with threads on the circumferential free edge of the first container member.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a container wherein the second container member includes a molding cup frictionally retained between the closed end and the open end thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container wherein the supporting edge is flat.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container wherein the supporting edge has a curved profile.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a container wherein each of the plurality of ribs includes a slot which defines an annular ring between the supporting edges of the plurality of ribs and the interior surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 10, the container10includes a first container member12and a second container member14shaped and dimensioned for selectively coupling together so as to define a cavity16therebetween. Lip balm, or other cosmetic product, is stored within the cavity16for ready access by a user. It is appreciated the term “cosmetic product(s)” as used in the present disclosure is intended to encompass a broad range of products including, but not limited to, personal care or medicated products intended for application to the lips or body of an individual (for example, sunscreens, lip colors, moisturizers, etc.), and may take the form of balms, salves, creams, butters, gel products as well as other similar compositions. The exterior surface of the container10is of a substantially rounded configuration with a series of equally spaced longitudinal edges extending between the top and bottom thereof.

The first container member12as shown is of a “substantially” semi-spherical configuration, but could be formed in a variety of shapes. It is considered “substantially” semi-spherical as it includes rounded side walls with equally spaced longitudinal edges and a flat apex26which resembles an octagon when viewed in cross-section. The first container member12includes an exterior surface18and a concave interior surface20. The first container member12is preferably formed by plastic injection molding, although it is appreciated other manufacturing techniques may be employed in the manufacture of the first container member12. With such a structure in mind, the first container member12is dome shaped and has a circumferential free edge24along the open end (or open side)25of the first container member12. As will be appreciated based upon the following description, the first container member12is provided with an aperture28at the apex26. The aperture is shaped and dimensioned to allow for the insertion of liquefied cosmetic product30during the filling process. The aperture28is ultimately covered with a cover member56to complete the continuous surface defined by the first container member12, after filling is completed as described below in greater detail.

The circumferential free edge24of the first container member12includes an upwardly extending ridge38(that is, extending away from the concave interior surface20) having external threading40formed thereupon. The free end38fof the upwardly extending ridge38defines the upper extent of the first container member12along the open end25The external threading40is shaped and dimensioned for engagement with internal threading42formed along an interior surface43of the second container member14adjacent the circumferential free edge44of the second container member14. While external threading is shown on the first container member12and internal threading is shown the second container member14, it is contemplated that the threading could be reversed.

The interior surface20of the first container member12defines a first cavity32in which is formed a plurality of inwardly extending ribs34. The ribs34, in conjunction with the aperture28, should be thought of as defining an elongated passageway36extending on the central axis35of the semi-spherical body defined by the first container member12(seeFIGS. 4 and 6). The elongated passageway36provides a channel for the injection of cosmetic product during the filling of the container10in a manner explained below in greater detail.

With this in mind, each of the ribs34radially extends from the interior surface20of the first container member12toward the central axis35of the first cavity32(that is, the axis normal to the apex26of the first container member12). Each of the ribs34includes a free edge34a, an attached edge34b, and a supporting edge34c.

The attached edge34bof each rib34is integrally molded to extend from the interior surface20of the first container member12. By integrally molding the ribs34with the first container member12the present invention eliminates the need for a separate support grid for the cosmetic product and provides a cost savings. The free edge34aof each rib34is in substantially parallel alignment with the elongated passageway36, while the supporting edge34cof each rib34is oriented transverse to the free edge34aand provides a surface upon which the cosmetic product may reside in a manner as will be discussed below in greater detail. As such, the free edges34amay be thought of as extending substantially parallel to the central axis35while the supporting edges34bextend substantially perpendicular to the central axis35.

As mentioned above, each of the ribs34extends radially inwardly from the interior surface20toward the central axis35. However, the ribs34end before they reach the central axis35of the first cavity32. The free edges34aare, therefore, radially spaced from the central axis35and positioned in alignment with the elongated passageway36. Each of the ribs34ends approximately in alignment with an extension of the aperture28along the central axis35. As such, the free edges34aof the ribs34, in conjunction with the aperture28, define the elongated passageway36.

The ribs34are of such a height that they extend along the interior wall20to a height slightly below the plane in which the free end38fof the upwardly extending ridge38of the circumferential free edge24of the first container member12lies. Consequentially, the supporting edges34cof the ribs34lie in a plane slightly below the plane in which the free end38fof the upwardly extending ridge38of the circumferential free edge24of the first container member12lies. By recessing the supporting edges34cslightly below the free end38fof the upwardly extending ridge38, a retaining edge is defined that assists in maintaining the cosmetic product in position upon the ribs34. Referring toFIGS. 1-10it is shown that the supporting edges34care substantially flat, however, and with reference toFIG. 11it is contemplated the supporting edges34cmay be made with a curved profile so as to increase the surface area provided by the supporting edges.

The second container member14as shown is of a “substantially” semi-spherical configuration, but could be formed in a variety of shapes. The second container member14includes a convex exterior surface46and a concave interior surface48. It is considered “substantially” rounded as it includes a rounded side walls with longitudinal edges and a flat apex47. With such a semi-spherical structure in mind, the second container member14includes a domed shape having a circumferential free edge44along the open end (or open side)45thereof. Adjacent the circumferential free edge44, and along the concave interior surface48of the second container member14, internal threading42is formed. The internal threading42is shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the external threading40formed along the circumferential free edge24of the first container member12. In this way, the first container member12and the second container member14may be selectively attached and detached so as to expose the contents of the cavity16. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, consistent molding of the cosmetic product30within the container10, in particular, the second container member14, is achieved by securing a molding cup49within the second container member14so as to cover the concave interior surface48and provide a molding surface.

In practice, the parts of the present container10are first molded. Thereafter, the second container member14, with the molding cup49positioned therein, is screwed down onto the first container member12. With the first and second container members12,14secured together a container cavity52for receipt of cosmetic product30is defined. On an assembly line the liquefied cosmetic product30is poured through the aperture28, and through the elongated passageway36, in the first container member12, with the second container member14facing downwardly so that gravity forces the balm into the frustoconical molding cavity54defined by the interior surface of the molding cup49. The container cavity52defined by both the first and second container members12,14is filled until the molding cavity54is filled with a measured amount of the cosmetic product30such that the cosmetic product30contacts and covers the supporting edges34cand extends down a portion of the ribs34, as shown inFIG. 6. The filled container10continues to travel down the assembly line and is sealed with the plug56inserted into the aperture28before the container10drops off of the assembly line into a collection bin.

The liquefied cosmetic product30is permitted to cool as it travels down the assembly line such that it hardens into to substantially solid balm contained within the frustoconical molding cavity54. Once the cosmetic product30has solidified, the container10may be inverted with the first container member12sitting beneath the second container member14. In this orientation, the supporting edges34cof the ribs34of the first container member12will support the cosmetic product30as the second container member14is unscrewed providing a user with access to the cosmetic product30.

As shown with reference toFIGS. 12 to 15andFIGS. 16 to 19, it is possible to form the ribs of the first container member in various ways within the spirit of the present invention. First, and with reference toFIGS. 11 to 14, the ribs134may be constructed such that the supporting edge134cof each of the ribs134does not extend the entire way to circumferential free edge124of the first container member112. Despite this variation, the free edges134aof the ribs134remain the same and, when considered in conjunction with the aperture128, define the elongated passageway extending on the central axis of the semi-spherical body defined by the first container member112.

More particularly, each of the ribs134radially extends from the interior surface120toward the central axis of the first cavity132(that is, the axis normal to the apex126of the first container member112). Each of the ribs134includes the free edge134a, an attached edge134b, and a supporting edge134c. Because of the spacing between the supporting edges134cand the circumferential free edge124, the plurality of ribs134each include a slot137which define an annular ring between the supporting edges134cand the circumferential free edge124.

As a result of the slot137, and with reference toFIG. 14, the supporting edge134cof each of the ribs134includes an interior end134caadjacent the cylindrical passageway and an exterior end134cbadjacent to, but spaced from, the circumferential free edge124of the first container member112. The supporting edge134cis, therefore, connected to the attached edge134bby first and second edge members141,143extending between the supporting edge134cand the attached edge134b. The first edge member141extends directly from the exterior end134cbof the supporting edge134cand is substantially parallel to the central axis135. The second edge member143extends from the first edge member141to the attached edge134b, and is substantially perpendicular to the central axis135.

The ribs134are of such a height that they extend along the interior wall120to a height slightly below the plane in which the free end138fof the upwardly extending ridge138of the circumferential free edge124of the first container member112lies. Consequentially, the supporting edges134cof the ribs134lie in a plane slightly below the plane in which the free end138fof the upwardly extending ridge138of the circumferential free edge124of the first container member112lies. By recessing the supporting edges134cslightly below the free end38fof the upwardly extending ridge138, a retaining edge is defined that assists in maintaining the cosmetic product in position upon the ribs134.

Each of the ribs134extend radially inwardly from the interior surface120toward the central axis and end before they reach the central axis of the first cavity132. The free edge134ais, therefore, radially spaced from the central axis and positioned in alignment with the cylindrical passageway. As such, the free edges134aof the ribs134, in conjunction with the aperture128, define the cylindrical passageway.

Further, and with reference toFIGS. 15 to 18, the ribs234may be constructed such that the supporting edge234cof each of the ribs234does not extend the entire way to circumferential free edge224of the first container member212and the free edge234aof each of the ribs234does not extend the entire way from the supporting edge234cto the interior surface220of the first container member212.

More particularly, each of the ribs234radially extends from the interior surface220toward the central axis235of the first cavity232(that is, the axis normal to the apex226of the first container member212). Each of the ribs234includes the free edge234a, the attached edge234b, and the supporting edge234c. Because of the spacing between the supporting edges234cand the circumferential free edge224, the plurality of ribs234each include a slot237which define an annular ring formed between the supporting edges234cand the circumferential free edge224. As a result of the first slot237, and as with the embodiment disclosed with reference to the embodiment ofFIGS. 11 to 14, the supporting edge234cof each of the ribs234includes an interior end234caadjacent the cylindrical passageway236and an exterior end234cbadjacent to, but spaced from, the circumferential free edge224of the first container member212. The supporting edge234cis, therefore, connected to the attached edge234bby first and second edge members241,243extending between the supporting edge234cand the attached edge234b. The first edge241extends directly from the exterior end234caof the supporting edge234cand is substantially parallel to the central axis235. The second edge member243extends from the first edge member241to the attached edge234b, and is substantially perpendicular to the central axis235.

The ribs234are of such a height that they extend along the interior wall220to a height slightly below the plane in which the free end238fof the upwardly extending ridge238of the circumferential free edge224of the first container member212lies. Consequentially, the supporting edges234cof the ribs234lie in a plane slightly below the plane in which the free end238fof the upwardly extending ridge238of the circumferential free edge224of the first container member212lies. By recessing the supporting edges234cslightly below the free end238fof the upwardly extending ridge238, a retaining edge is defined that assists in maintaining the cosmetic product in position upon the ribs234.

Each of the ribs234extend radially inwardly from the interior surface220toward the central axis and end before they reach the central axis of the first cavity232. The free edge234ais, therefore, radially spaced from the central axis and positioned in alignment with the cylindrical passageway. As such, the free edges234aof the ribs234, in conjunction with the aperture228, define the cylindrical passageway.

In contrast to other embodiments, and with reference toFIGS. 16-18, the length of the free edges234ais shortened. The free edge234aof each of the ribs234includes an upper end234aaadjacent the supporting edge234cand an exterior end234abadjacent to, but spaced from, the interior surface220of the first container member212adjacent to the aperture228. The free edge234ais, therefore, connected to the attached edge234bby a first edge members245extending between the free edge234aand the attached edge234b. The first edge member245extends directly from the exterior end234abof the free edge234ato the attached edge234band is substantially perpendicular to the central axis and is spaced by gap239from the bottom of the first container member212.