Cosmetic applicator with aligning cap

A cosmetic packaging device with aligning cap includes connection structures and/or a collar that facilitate easy alignment of the cap/applicator to the cosmetics packaging in order to achieve a desirable appearance in an easy manner to the user. Ramped edges on one or both of the collar on a bottle and/or a connecting structure of an applicator are designed to guide a tab into a slot as the applicator and cap are replaced on the cosmetics packaging, which may contain a cosmetic product such as a mascara, lip gloss or various other products.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a cosmetic applicator having an outer shell, a bottle, and a cap, the cap being coupled to an applicator for dipping into the bottle. More particularly, the present application illustrates a design for the cap and a collar for receiving the cap that allows easy self-alignment.

BACKGROUND

Various cosmetics can be provided in a bottle designed for access with an elongated wand having and applicator on the end thereof. For example, a wand may have a doe foot applicator tip, a sponge applicator tip, or a brush applicator tip (such as mascara, eyeliner or nail polish). The wand may be attached to a cap that double as a handle during application of cosmetic product.

Cosmetic packaging is often designed for is aesthetic appeal as well as its functional capabilities. A number of existing designs are well known, such as screw-on and snap closures. If a symmetric look and/or closure is desired, both screw-on and snap closures may present undesirable outcomes. New and alternative designs, providing secure closure and retaining an aesthetic look, are desired.

SUMMARY

In an illustrative example, a cosmetic packaging device with aligning cap includes connection structures and/or a collar that facilitate easy alignment of the cap/applicator to the cosmetics packaging in order to achieve a desirable appearance in an easy manner to the user. Ramped edges on one or both of the collar on a bottle and/or a connecting structure of an applicator are designed to guide a tab into a slot as the applicator and cap are replaced on the cosmetics packaging, which may contain a cosmetic product such as a mascara, lip gloss or various other products.

A first non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap comprising: a cosmetic bottle defining a reservoir for containing a cosmetic product and having an open end with a collar configured for engagement with the cap, wherein the collar comprises a first ramped edge extending around less than the full perimeter thereof having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end adjacent to a slot; a cap coupled to an applicator, with a connecting structure therebetween having at least a tab thereon for aligning the cap with the collar; wherein the tab is configured for sliding engagement against the ramped edge of the collar and to fit within the slot to secure the cap in a desired alignment with the collar.

A second non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the first non-limiting example, further comprising a click feature having a first part on the collar and a second part on the connecting structure, and configured click upon full insertion of the tab into the slot to secure the cap to the bottle.

A third non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the collar comprises a second ramped edge extending around less than the full perimeter thereof, the second ramped edge having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end adjacent to the slot.

A fourth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the third non-limiting example, wherein the first and second ramped edges extend about first and second arcs, respectively, the first and second arcs each occupying an angle in the range of about 90 to about 170 degrees relative to a central axis of the collar.

A fifth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the third non-limiting example, wherein the first and second ramped edges are approximately symmetrical about the gap.

A sixth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the third non-limiting example, wherein the first and second ramped edges have an angle, relative to a transverse plane of the collar, in the range of about 30 to about 75 degrees.

A seventh non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the third non-limiting example, wherein the first and second ramped edges have an angle, relative to a transverse plane of the collar, in the range of about 60 degrees.

An eighth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the third non-limiting example, wherein the connecting structure comprises third and fourth ramped edges at angles relative to the transverse plane of the connecting structure that match corresponding angles of the first and second ramped edges, the third and fourth ramped edges each having first ends at the tab.

A ninth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the slot extends in the range of about 10 to about 30 degrees relative to the central axis of the collar.

A tenth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in any of the first to ninth non-limiting examples, wherein the bottle further comprises an outer shell which covers at least the slot and the first ramped edge. An eleventh non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in the tenth non-limiting example, wherein the cap comprises a decorative top, and the outer shell comprises an upper edge, wherein the desired alignment is such that that decorative top and upper edge are parallel to one another.

A twelfth non-limiting example takes the form of a combination cosmetic bottle and cap as in any of the first to ninth non-limiting examples, wherein the collar further comprises a wiper affixed thereto.

A thirteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic bottle for use with a cap, the bottle comprising: a reservoir for containing a cosmetic product and having an open end; and a collar configured for engagement with the cap secured to the open end of the reservoir; wherein the collar comprises a first ramped edge extending around less than the full perimeter thereof having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end adjacent to a slot.

A fourteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic applicator and cap for use with a bottle, the applicator and cap comprising: an applicator for applying a cosmetic product; a decorative cap; and an engagement structure for engaging and securing to a bottle, the engagement structure comprising a tab and first and second ramped edges extending therefrom, the tab extending axially toward the applicator relative to the cap, and the first and second ramped edges extending axially from the tab toward the cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a cosmetic packing with aligning cap. In particular, the device10comprises an applicator20having a decorative cap28that includes a connecting structure (not shown) and a wand with a cosmetic applicator (not shown). The device10also comprises an outer shell30with a slot32and upper edge34for decorative purposes. In this example, the upper edge34and decorative cap28provide a desirable appearance by having angled upper ends that parallel one another when the applicator is fully stowed, as shown. To achieve the desirable appearance, however, the applicator20and decorative cap28must align appropriately with the shell30. To ensure desired alignment, the bottle40includes a collar indicated at42, the details of which are more fully explained below.

The shell30may be opaque, semi-transparent or transparent, as desired. In one example, the shell is opaque so as to conceal details of the collar42and its connection to the cap20to provide a clean aesthetic. Any suitable materials, such as metals, plastics, glass, wood, ceramic, stone, leather, fabric, etc., may be used throughout the device10.

FIG. 2is an exploded view of the elements ofFIG. 1. As can be seen, the applicator20comprises a combination of stem24and connection structure22, including a weight26, over which a decorative cap28goes. The shell30is a separate piece, and is sized to hold the bottle40. A collar60is designed to attach over the bottle40. A conventional wiper70can be placed inside the collar70to secure it to the top of the bottle40. The bottle is designed to contain a cosmetic product, which can be, for example, without limitation, mascara, lip gloss, eye liner, concealer, eye primer, lash primer, lip stain, nail polish, polish remover, and other products applied via brushes, sponges, plastic tips, metal tips, ceramic tips, stone tips, or other cosmetic applicators.

FIG. 3is a section view of an applicator. The applicator can be seen as including the connection structure100coupled to a wand110, the end of which may include a cosmetic applicator such as a brush, sponge or the like. In the section view it can be seen that the connection structure100includes a ramped edge120that is used for ensuring alignment of the applicator to the bottle as further detailed below.

FIG. 4is a section view focusing on an illustrative applicator cap. The connection structure100is shown as well as the ramped edge120, which has a face122directed down toward the bottom of the image shown. In addition, the connection structure100includes a tab shown in section view at126, which will be better understood inFIG. 5, below. An opening or indentation is shown at124, and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding protrusion in the collar shown inFIGS. 7-9, below, to provide a snap fit. In this instance element124is a through-opening, though an indentation may be used instead.

As shown at150, the ramped edge120defines an angle154which for purposes of this description is relative to the transverse plane152of the connecting structure100. In this example, the angle154is about 60 degrees relative to the transverse plane. The angle154may be in the range of about 30 to about 75 degrees, or more or less, as desired. A steeper angle may require somewhat more axial length to be available, but will likely yield an easier closure, while a shallower angle will require less space but may not provide as easy or smooth feel to the user. Such factors may be considered when choosing a particular design.

FIG. 5is a bottom perspective view of an illustrative applicator. In the perspective view, it can be seen that the stem110extends down from the connecting structure. The connecting structure120is shown with the tab126made more apparent here. The ramped edge122can be seen to extend about a portion of the circumference of the connecting structure. The indentation or opening124can also be observed.

The overall piece may be, for example, insert molded onto the stem110. If desired a grinding or removal process may be used instead, such that the connecting structure may begin as a simple tubular member, and the ramped edges and tab may be defined by selective removal of material by, for example, grinding. Other manufacturing methods may be used instead.

FIG. 6is an elevation view from below of an illustrative applicator. The stem is shown at110, and the elements used for alignment are shown including the tab at126, a first ramped edge122a, and a second ramped edge122b. A gap128may optionally be provided between the first and second ramped edges122a,122b. Other examples may simply have the two ramped edges122a,122bmeet rather than including a gap128. The two ramped edges122a,122beach abut the tab126.

A central axis160is defined for the illustrative applicator. In the example shown, each of the ramped edges122a,122b, occupies an angle (162,164, respectively) relative to the central axis of about 130 degrees, a bit more than ⅓ of the circumference. In other examples, the ramped edges122a,122bmay occupy, for example, in the range of about 90 to about 160 degrees, or more or less, as desired. In this example, the tab occupies an angle166relative to the central axis of about 80 degrees, or a little less than ¼ of the circumference. In other examples, the tab may occupy an angle166in the range of about 30 to about 120 degrees, or more or less, as desired.

In some examples, the material chosen for the ramped edges122a,122band tab126may be selected to be slippery by using, for example, a metal surface, or a hard plastic, and/or a coating may be applied. By providing a slippery surface, easy turning and insertion can be more readily provided.

FIG. 7is a side view of an illustrative collar. The collar200includes a main tubular portion202on which a ramped edge204is provided. A slot206appears next to the end of the ramped edge204. The collar200includes a snap fit protrusion208designed for engaging the snap fit opening or indentation124(FIG. 5).

At the base of the collar200is an overlay210designed to fit over the end of a bottle. A snap-fit may be used to secure the collar200to the bottle, if desired. The overlay210may instead be threaded for securing to the bottle (not shown). Any other suitable manner of securing the collar200to a bottle may be used instead.

A conventional wiper220may be placed and/or secured to the upper end of the collar200. Such a wiper220is used to remove excess product from a cosmetic applicator as it is withdrawn from the bottle (not shown).

FIG. 8is a perspective view of an illustrative collar, this time rotated slightly relative toFIG. 7. The gap206is more fully visible at the termination of each of the ramped edges204, which extend around the tubular portion202of the collar200. It can also be seen that there are provided snap fit structures208on both sides of the collar200. In other designs, 1, 2 or more snap fit structures may be placed about the circumference of the collar, with corresponding openings or indentations in the applicator, as desired.

At an upper edge, the ramped edges come together at a blunted region212. The blunted region212may be omitted, but this may potentially leave a rather sharp edge and/or fragile edge, depending on the angles of the two ramped edges204. For example, the ramped edges204may be placed at angles that match the ramped edges122a,122bof the applicator as illustrated at150inFIG. 4. Use of a blunted region212may reduce the likelihood of the structure chipping or breaking in use.

FIG. 9is another perspective view of an illustrative collar in order to illustrate the angle of the ramped edge204. A line parallel to the axis of the collar200is shown at250, defining a line on the transverse plane of the collar200shown at252. The angle of the ramped edge204is noted at254and may be in the range of about 30 to about 75 degrees, with approximately 60 degrees shown in the illustrative example ofFIG. 9.

It may be noted that the ramped edge204may slope (as may the ramped edges122a,122bof the applicator. For example, an initial angle254may be in the range of about 45 degrees, with the angle increasing along the ramped edge as one gets closer to the blunted region212to a maximum of about 75 degrees. In the example shown, the “average” angle254can be used as the point of measurement, with the average angle defined by calculating the arcsine of the length traversed along the axis250divided by the length of the face of the ramped edge. This yields approximately 60 degrees in the example shown.

FIG. 10shows insertion of an illustrative applicator to a cosmetic package. As shown, the applicator300includes a decorative cap top side302having a slanted edge. The cosmetics package310includes a collar312substantially as shown above inFIGS. 7-9, secured to a bottle314. A shell316is shown overlying the details of the collar312and having an upper edge318that is decoratively slanted in a manner that matches the cap top side302. When closed, to provide the desired appearance, the cap top side302should align with the upper edge318, generating a look as shown above inFIG. 1. Other decorative designs may be used instead; the idea is to provide a repeatable relative positioning between the applicator300and the cosmetic package310.

As the applicator300is inserted into the collar312, the ramped edge204(FIG. 7) designed to encourage the tab126(FIG. 5) to slide thereover toward the slot206(FIG. 7). The motion in this instance would twist in the direction as shown at330. The tab126(FIG. 5) would then enter the slot206(FIG. 7). At this point, the cap top side302would be aligned with the upper edge318of the shell316. The tab126(FIG. 5) is inserted into the slot206(FIG. 7) until the snap fit protrusion208(FIG. 7) engages the snap fit hole124(FIG. 5). If desired, an audible or tactile click may occur when the snap fit protrusion208(FIG. 7) engages the snap fit hole124(FIG. 5). As a result, of these structures, the desired appearance of the product when the applicator is stowed can be ensured.

In some examples, each of the applicator300and cosmetics package310include ramped edges to facilitate the guided insertion described forFIG. 10. In other embodiments, only one or the other of the applicator or cosmetics package has the ramped edges. For example,FIGS. 11-12illustrate alternative collars and caps for self-alignment.

InFIG. 11, a portion of a connecting structure for an applicator is shown in side or section view at400, and includes a slot402to receive a tab410on a collar412. A pair of ramped edges404surround the slot402to guide the tab410to the desired position before allowing passage into the slot402. If desired, snap fit structures such as a protrusion and opening or indentation as shown above may be provided as well.

InFIG. 12, a portion of a connecting structure for an applicator is shown in an end view at500, with a tab at502. A collar510includes ramped edges512,514that direct the tab502to a slot516. Again, snap fit structures may be provided as well.

Thus as shown byFIGS. 11 and 12, the ramped edges may be provided on only one of the two structures. In these examples, it may be noted that the ramped edges are associated with a slot on one of the applicator or collar, while the tab is on the other of the applicator or collar.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.