ES2884423T3 - Container system for use with a cosmetic mask - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of using a cosmetic mask comprising the steps of: (a) providing a container system, with the container system comprising a container (1), a closure (2), a filter (3) and a compartment of a mask (4), in which: the container (1) comprises: a reservoir (1a) containing a fluid product (P); and a threaded neck (1b) having an opening (1f) leading to the reservoir (1a); the closure (2) comprises: a lateral cylindrical wall (2b) and an upper part (2e); an inner surface having screw threads (2c) and a circumferential lip (2d) above the screw threads; and an inner space (2a) that is defined by the upper part (2e) and the cylindrical side wall (2b) above the circumferential lip (2d); wherein, the threads of the closure make a sealing engagement with the threaded neck (1b) of the container; the filter (3) is inserted downwards from the neck (1b) of the container (1), projects into the tank (1a) and comprises: a perforated cylindrical wall (3b) having an internal diameter in the range of 25 to 210 mm; an upper end (3e) that is formed like a flange; a perforated bottom end (3d); an inner space (3a) that is defined by the cylindrical wall (3b) and the bottom (3d) of the filter (3), the height of the inner space being from 25 to 50 mm; in which: the mask compartment (4) is a space that extends from the top (2e) of the closure (2) to the bottom (3d) of the filter (3); (b) providing a dry mask (6) that has not been exposed or treated with the same fluid product (P) that is in the container (1); (c) removing the closure (2) from the container; (d) placing the dry mask (6) in the mask compartment (4) and closing the container (1) again; (e) inverting the container (1) until the fluid product (P) has saturated the mask (6); (f) returning the container (1) to an upright position and waiting at least several seconds or minutes to allow excess product to drain back into the reservoir; (g) removing the closure (2); (h) removing the saturated mask (6) from the mask compartment (4); and (i) applying the mask to the skin.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Container system for use with a cosmetic mask

field of invention

The present invention is in the field of personal care packaging, specifically a method of using a cosmetic mask by means of a container system for preparing cosmetic mask products for application to the skin.

Background

A variety of cosmetic masks, sheets, and patches are commercially available. These are often described as being useful for moisturizing the skin and/or for the delivery of skin care actives. Typically, cosmetic masks are comprised of woven or nonwoven materials that have been moistened with a liquid personal care preparation. The mask is flexible so that it adapts to the target area where it is applied (the face or neck, for example). Mask products are typically sold pre-moistened with liquid product. When applied to the skin, the skin absorbs the liquid product from the moistened mask. One of the main concerns of this type of system is to dry the mask before reaching the consumer. Therefore, liquid and airtight containers are essential. A single moistened mask is packaged in an airtight and liquidtight container (a packet, for example), or a stack of moistened masks is packaged in a resealable container that is airtight and liquidtight to an effective degree. A drawback of this type of packaging is that a single mask shape is usually provided in the container rather than two or more mask shapes for use on different parts of the body. It would be convenient for a consumer if the same personal care liquid preparation container could be used with masks of different shapes.

Another drawback of this type of packaging is the impossibility of associating some ingredients with the mask and some ingredients with the liquid personal care preparation, and keeping them separate until just before use. For example, let's say a mask has been impregnated with a reactive skin care agent. Subsequently saturating the impregnated mask with a liquid personal care preparation several weeks or months prior to use of the mask may have an adverse effect on the efficacy of the active ingredient. This adverse effect could be a loss of efficacy or a depletion of efficacy before the consumer has had a chance to benefit. Or perhaps the liquid skin care preparation might suffer an adverse effect, such as a degradation of the stability of the preparation. In these and similar cases, it would be beneficial if the mask and skin care preparation could remain separate until just before use. On the other hand, having a consumer moisten a cosmetic mask just before using it is likely to be messy and wasteful. That is, unless the mask can be moistened within the same sealed container that contains the liquid skin care preparation.

Other related art includes document US 2003/0123919 A1 which discloses a device and method for applying and/or packaging a product. Document KR 2014 0004573 U discloses a package for sheet masks. US 2013/326996 A1 discloses a container for laundry cleaning product. WO 2011/145816 A2 discloses a package for roll masks.

Objectives of the invention

A primary object of the invention is to provide a method of using a cosmetic mask by means of a container system for use with a cosmetic mask that allows the cosmetic mask to be treated with a liquid personal care preparation just prior to use of the mask. .

Summary

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a cosmetic mask as claimed in claim 1.

Description of the figures

Figure 1A is an elevational view of a container system for use in the process according to the present invention.

Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the container system of Figure 1A.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the container (1), the closure (2) and the filter (3).

Figure 3 is a cross section of a closure (2) for the container system.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a filter (3).

Figures 5-7 depict some types of cosmetic masks that can be used with the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a rolled cosmetic mask (9) placed in a filter (3).

Detailed descriptive memory

Throughout the specification, "comprising" means that an element or group of elements is not automatically limited to the elements specifically listed, and may or may not include additional elements. Various features of some of the embodiments will now be described. Certain features described may be used separately or in combination with other features described or implied. Some of the embodiments may use only one or more features described.

The container system for use with a cosmetic mask comprises a container (1) for containing a fluid product (P), a closure (2) and a filter (3).

The container (1) and the closure (2)

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, the container (1) can be in the form of a jar or bottle, the interior of which forms a reservoir (1a) for containing a fluid product (P). In the drawings, the container is a bottle having a neck (1b). The bottom of the container is indicated (1d) and the top (or ground area) of the neck is indicated as (1e). The reservoir is accessed through an opening (1f) in the neck. In general, the container may be plastic or glass, but plastic is preferred due to the way the container will be handled.

In the embodiment of figure 3, the closure (2) comprises a side wall (2b, shown as cylindrical) and an upper part (2e). An inner surface of the cylindrical wall has threads (2c). Also on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, above the closure threads, is a circumferential lip (2d). (2a) denotes an interior space that is defined by the top (2e) and the cylindrical side wall (2b), above the circumferential lip (2d). In preferred embodiments of the closure (2), the height (2h) of this interior space will be in the order of 10-30 mm, and the diameter (2f) will be in the range of 25-210 mm. In general, the closure will be molded in plastic.

The neck (1b) of the container (1) can receive the closure (2) in a sealing engagement, so that the opening of the reservoir can be sealed from the ambient environment (ie the environment outside the container). The neck and closure seal by a threaded engagement, as is well known in the art. The threads (1c) of the neck of the container cooperate with the threads (2c) of the closure. Near the top of the closure threads (2c), there is a circumferential lip (2d). Optionally, but preferably, a liner in the form of an O-ring (5) is arranged between the circumferential lip (2d) and the flange (3e) of the filter (3, see below).

The filter (3) and the mask compartment (4)

With reference to figures 4A and 4B, the filter (3) comprises a cylindrical wall (3b) having an inner diameter. An upper end 3e of the filter can be formed as a flange. When the filter is inserted through the opening (1f) in the neck (1b) of the container (1), the flange (3e) will sit on the top (1e) of the container and the rest of the filter will be inserted downwards from the neck of the container.

The upper end of the filter defines an opening (3f) through which a cosmetic mask can be easily inserted and removed from the filter. The internal diameter of this opening can typically be in the range of 25 to 210 mm, preferably coinciding with the internal diameter (2f) of the internal space (2a) of the closure (2). The bottom end 3d of the filter can be shaped like a bowl (as shown) or it can be flat or some other shape. The cylindrical wall (3b) and the bottom (3d) of the filter define an interior space (3a), which can be occupied by a cosmetic mask. The height (3h) of this interior space can typically be in the range of 25 to 50mm, but this range is only given as a guide to what may be typical and may be exceeded. When inserted into the container (1), the bottom end of the filter may intrude into the reservoir (1a).

The filter (3) can be molded unitarily with the container (1), or it can be molded separately and later attached to the container, as shown. The outer diameter of the cylindrical wall (3b) of the filter is sized to fit inside the opening (1f) of the neck (1b). When the filter is fully inserted into the neck, the flange (3e) rests on the support area (1e) of the neck. The flange must not extend laterally beyond the ground area of the container finish. The filter can be permanently attached to the neck by welding or adhesive. A temporary accessory could be a press fit or friction fit. Preferably, a friction fit is used. In this case, the outer diameter of the cylindrical wall 3b of the filter may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening 1f in the neck of the container. With sufficient interference between the cylindrical wall of the filter and the neck, the filter will not back out of the bowl, even when the bowl is inverted. For example, the outside diameter of the cylindrical wall of the filter can be 0.8-1.3 mm larger than the inside diameter of the neck. To aid this friction fit, the filter is preferably made of plastic, or more preferably is made of an elastomeric material that is inert with respect to the contents of the reservoir (1a).

When the closure (2) is screwed onto the neck (1b) of the container (1), then the circumferential lip (2d) comes to press against the flange (3e) of the filter (3). Preferably, this contact is sufficient to form an airtight seal. and liquid type. However, optionally and preferably, a lining in the form of an O-ring (5) can be arranged between the circumferential lip (2d) and the flange (3e) of the filter. The liner provides additional sealing integrity. Optionally, the liner can be glued onto the circumferential lip of the closure.

When the closure (2) sits on the neck (1b), the interior space (2a) of the closure and the interior space (3a) of the filter (3) are contiguous, creating a large space or compartment of the mask (4) which extends from the upper part (2e) of the closure to the bottom (3d) of the filter (see figure 1B). A first part (4a) of the mask compartment (4) is located inside the container (1), and a second part (4b) of the mask compartment is located in the closure (2), but outside the container. The mask compartment is sealed against the environment outside the container. This mask compartment must be large enough to accommodate at least one cosmetic mask. Preferably, a mask will be carefully rolled and/or folded before being placed on the filter (3, see mask (9) in figure 8), but this is not necessary. Figure 5 shows a full face mask (6). Figure 6 shows a cosmetic mask (7) for the lip and mouth area. Figure 7 shows a cosmetic mask (8) for the eye area. These representations are illustrative only. Many other types of cosmetic masks may find use with the present invention.

The cylindrical wall (3b) and the bottom (3d) of the filter (3) are perforated with several perforations (3g). The perforations are large enough to allow a fluid product (P) to enter and exit the mask compartment easily, but small enough to prevent the cosmetic mask (5) from falling or being pushed into the reservoir (1a). For example, the largest dimension of a perforation may be in the range of 2 to 6 mm. Not all perforations have to be the same size or shape, as shown in Figure 4A.

Preferably, when a filled container (1) is in its vertical position, the level of fluid product (P) in the tank (1a) is below the lower end (3d) of the filter (see figure 1B), so that the product in the tank does not reach the level of the filter, or cannot wet a mask stored in the filter. If the product level was above the bottom of the filter, then a cosmetic mask (5) located in the mask compartment (4) would not be able to drain the excess product back into the reservoir. By keeping the product level below the filter, a mask can only be moistened when the container is not in a vertical position; that is, when the container is tilted or inverted.

If a filter (3) is permanently attached to the container (1) (i.e. by unit molding, welding, or adhesive), or if the filter is assembled to the container before the container is filled, then the container must be filled through of the filter. In an automated filling operation, a problem can arise if the perforations in the filter are too small to allow product to flow rapidly through the filter. Therefore, in this case, the center of the bottom of the mask compartment may have a perforation (3p, see Figure 4C) that is large enough for the filling nozzle of an automated filling operation to pass through (but not large enough). large enough for a cosmetic mask (5) to fall off or get stuck). On the other hand, if the filter (3) is not permanently fixed to the container (1), then the container can be filled in the usual way, and the mask compartment inserted next. In the personal care consumer goods industry, the diameter of a filling nozzle will vary, but the perforation (3p) for the filling nozzle may typically be 3-12mm, preferably 5-10mm, for example , about 7mm.

Preferably, the filter (3) has multiple perforations (3g) around its circumference and substantially along its height. When there is only one perforation near the bottom of the filter, or an insufficient number of perforations, the product may not saturate the entire mask if, for example, a user inverts the canister (1) for too short a period of time. Also, when there is only one opening near the bottom of the filter, much of the excess product in the mask compartment (4) has to drain through the mask (5), which can be a slow process. An impatient user may remove the mask from the mask compartment while it is still oversaturated, before the excess product has had a chance to drain. On the other hand, if a filter (3) has multiple perforations (3g) around its circumference and appreciably along its height, the mask (5) will saturate uniformly faster (within 30 seconds; preferably within 10 seconds). ; more preferably within 5 seconds, for example), and excess product will drain from the mask compartment much more quickly (within 60 seconds; preferably within 30 seconds; more preferably within 10 seconds, for example).

Procedure of use

The user is provided with a canister system and a dry mask (6). The container (1) is filled with a fluid product (P). By "dry mask" we mean that a mask has not been exposed to or treated with the same fluid product (P) that is in the container, although it may have been treated with other products. With the container (1) in a vertical position, the fluid product (P) in the reservoir (1a) does not reach the level of the mask compartment (4). Optionally, the user can roll (as in figure 8) and/or fold the mask. The user removes the closure (2) from the container, places the dry mask (6) in the mask compartment (4) and closes the container (1) again. The user inverts the container, at least until the fluid product has saturated the mask. This can be as short as 1-3 seconds, for example, or longer, 5-10 seconds, for example). The user returns the container to an upright position and can then wait at least several seconds or minutes to allow excess product to settle. drain back to the reservoir. The user opens the closure and removes the saturated mask immediately, or waits several seconds or minutes to allow excess product to drain back into the reservoir, then removes the mask. The mask is unfolded and applied to the skin. Preferably, the mask remains on the wearer's skin for a recommended period of time, such as several minutes or hours. After this dwell time, the user removes the mask from their skin and discards the mask. The closure can be reapplied to the container.

The fluid product (P) can be any formulation that can flow through the perforations of the filter when the container (1) is inverted, and that can wet a cosmetic mask located in the filter in a reasonably short period of time (within 30 seconds, for example). A fluid product that cannot pass through the perforations as a result of inverting the container, or that cannot completely wet the cosmetic mask in a reasonable amount of time, is not suitable for this invention. A suitable fluid product (P) may contain any active ingredient. Preferably, the fluid product 16,26 contains at least one active ingredient for skin care, either in natural or purified form. A natural form could be tea leaves or flower petals, for example. A purified form could be an extract of tea leaves or flower petals or other organic material.

A container system having a fluid product (P) in the reservoir (1a), as described herein, and a set of dry cosmetic masks that have not been exposed to the fluid product (P), can be provided as a set. Multiple cosmetic masks can be packed, like a stack of masks, in a single container. However, unlike the prior art, these masks are dry, not pre-moistened. A kit will comprise a canister system as described herein, and any number of dry masks from 2 to 60. For example, the kit may comprise at least two dry masks (eg 2 to 6 dry masks), preferably at least 7 dry masks (ie at least a week's supply), more preferably at least 30 dry masks (ie at least a month's supply). The canister system and dry mask set can be packaged in a single outer container for retail sale.

Claims (1)

1. A method of using a cosmetic mask comprising the steps of: (a) providing a container system, with the container system comprising a container (1), a closure (2), a filter (3) and a mask compartment (4), wherein: the container (1) comprises: a reservoir (1a) containing a fluid product (P); Y a threaded neck (1b) having an opening (1f) leading to the reservoir (1a); the closure (2) comprises: a lateral cylindrical wall (2b) and an upper part (2e); an inner surface having screw threads (2c) and a circumferential lip (2d) above the screw threads; Y an inner space (2a) that is defined by the top (2e) and the cylindrical side wall (2b) above the circumferential lip (2d); wherein, the threads of the closure make a sealing engagement with the threaded neck (1b) of the container; the filter (3) is inserted downwards from the neck (1b) of the container (1), projects into the tank (1a) and comprises: a perforated cylindrical wall (3b) having an internal diameter in the range of 25 to 210 mm; an upper end (3e) that is formed like a flange; a perforated bottom end (3d); an inner space (3a) that is defined by the cylindrical wall (3b) and the bottom (3d) of the filter (3), the height of the inner space being from 25 to 50 mm; in which: the mask compartment (4) is a space that extends from the top (2e) of the closure (2) to the bottom (3d) of the filter (3); (b) providing a dry mask (6) that has not been exposed or treated with the same fluid product (P) that is in the container (1); (c) removing the closure (2) from the container; (d) placing the dry mask (6) in the mask compartment (4) and closing the container (1) again; (e) inverting the container (1) until the fluid product (P) has saturated the mask (6); (f) returning the container (1) to an upright position and waiting at least several seconds or minutes to allow excess product to drain back into the reservoir; (g) removing the closure (2); (h) removing the saturated mask (6) from the mask compartment (4); Y (i) apply the mask to the skin.