Coating implements with material supply – Supply container and independent applicator – With means for removing surplus material from tool
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-10
2001-09-11
Walczak, David J. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Supply container and independent applicator
With means for removing surplus material from tool
C401S121000, C401S126000, C401S129000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06287034
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to containers for cosmetic products in which the applicator projects directly into the container and contacts the product. More particularly, it relates to containers wherein at least a portion of the wall of the container is flexible so that, upon squeezing the container, the product is forced against the applicator, thus loading the applicator with product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pasty cosmetics such as mascara, lip gloss, concealers, and eyeshadows are commonly sold in containers with an applicator projecting into the container and secured to the underside of the container cap. Radial or axial projections such as bristles, teeth, flocking, porous sponges, and the like, are provided on the applicator to hold cosmetic material thereon. The wall of the container is typically constructed of a rigid material which does not yield when pressure is applied.
To load a sufficient amount of product onto the applicator, most consumers repeatedly move the applicator axially within the container, similar to that of a pumping action. When the consumer feels she has loaded a sufficient amount of product, she removes the applicator from the container and then applies the product. With the repeated steps of insertion and removal of the applicator, the product within the container is depleted. During this depletion, the pasty nature of the product causes the product to adhere to the internal walls of the container and form a cavity defined by the product which remains adhered to the internal walls of the container. The product on the wall of the container is generally out of reach of the applicator when inserted into the container, and as a result, the consumer cannot remove all of the product from the container without significant difficulty. Thus, most of the product within such a container remains unused by the consumer.
Japanese Reference JP 9117322 proposes to solve this problem by incorporating a bag within the container. The bag is pushed by a pressure application board, which causes the applicator tip to be supplied with the cosmetic material. Various drawbacks are associated with this container. First, the incorporation of a bag within the container decreases the volume within the container and therefore decreases the amount of product which can be supplied to the consumer. Further, this proposed solution has many parts which are needed to make the package work, thus increasing manufacturing and assembly costs.
This invention provides for a cosmetic container which utilizes a flexible wall to allow the consumer to load a sufficient amount of product on the applicator without having to repeatedly “pump” the applicator within the container.
This invention also provides for a cosmetic container which allows a consumer to access a greater percentage of product within the container, thus allowing for less residual product to remain in the container.
Further, this invention also provides for a cosmetic container which is simple for a consumer to use.
Also, this invention provides for a cosmetic container that is a relatively simple device that avoids interference with the package aesthetics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a container for a pasty cosmetic product which permits access by the consumer to a larger percentage of the contained product than has typically been possible in the traditional container. The present invention comprises a hollow container having a wall, wherein the wall defines an internal chamber and at least a portion of the wall is flexible. The container has a neck which provides access to the internal chamber. An applicator projects into the container and is attached to a cap which closes the container about the neck.
With the repeated steps of insertion and removal of the applicator, the product within the container is depleted. During this depletion, the nature of the product causes the product to adhere to the internal surface of the container and form a cavity where the applicator has removed the product. Upon the squeezing of the wall of the container of the present invention, the product adhered to the internal surface of the container is forced against the applicator, thus removing the product from the internal surface and enabling the use of a greater amount of product with little difficulty.
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Bouix Herve F.
Miraglia Loretta A.
Color Access Inc.
Kenyon & Kenyon
Walczak David J.
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