GB2501529A

GB2501529A - A cosmetics container with a mixing medium well

Info

Publication number: GB2501529A
Application number: GB1207422.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Colin Thomas Allan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-27
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Also published as: GB201207422D0

Abstract

A cosmetics container comprises a casing 100 having a well 101 capable of holding a mixing medium, such as a liquid, and a well 102, capable of containing a cosmetic, such as a powder. A lid 103 is moveable between an open and a closed position with respect to the casing. The mixing medium well 101 preferably contains a synthetic sponge or similar absorbent material, which may be affixed to the well. The cosmetic well 102 may be arranged above the mixing medium well 101, and they may be attached together by means of a screw thread. A sponge saturated with a water based solution held in the mixing medium well may be used when applying a powdered cosmetic such as eye shadow. The user will mix the powder with the solution to achieve a better cosmetic effect.

Description

COSMETIC CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to cosmetic containers, particularly containers which incorporate a mixing medium well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetic containers allow a consumer to carry cosmetics from one location to another without spillage of the cosmetics or affecting the quality of the cosmetics. Typically, these cosmetics are made of highly compressed powder. A consumer applies the cosmetic to their body using a small brush or applicator.

When consumers purchase powdered cosmetics, one of the most important considerations is the colour of the powder. Approximating the colour on an outside label of a cosmetic container is generally considered as unsatisfactory by consumers due to the variations of the label colour to the actual colour of the powder itself. Manufacturers have tried to address this problem by designing cosmetic containers with transparent caps. This allows consumers to see the colour of the powder itself prior to purchase. However, when the powder is applied to the body, consumers are commonly frustrated by three further issues.

The colour of the powder once applied to the body often differs to the apparent colour of the powder within in the cosmetic container. Secondly, when applied to the eye lid, unwanted lines free of powder often appear on the eye lid sometime after application, commonly known as creasing. Thirdly, as the powder does not fully stick to the brush the powder typically falls from the brush during application and ends up in places the consumer didn't intend such as other parts of the body, clothing or the floor.

These three problems can be mitigated through the use of a mixing medium. Mixing mediums are typically water based solutions which are applied to a brush or applicator. Mixing mediums moisten the brush or applicator prior to them being inserted into the dry powder. Consumers often create their own water based mixing mediums and manufacturers have responded to consumer demand and have began manufacturing similar mixing mediums for the retail market. When using a mixing medium, the colour of the powder once applied to the body more accurately reflects the colour of the powder stored in the cosmetic container. Using a mixing medium also reduces the possibility of creasing and helps the powder stick to the brush so that the powder does not end up in places the consumer didn't intend.

However, to the consumer, the necessary added bulk of carrying a bottle of mixing medium as well as a cosmetic container prohibits easily carrying both in a personal bag or purse regularly. It is time consuming to locate and apply a mixing medium to a brush or applicator. In the absence of a mixing medium solution consumers commonly lick their brush or applicator which is unhygienic.

Water on its own is sometimes used as a mixing medium but often consumers do not have instant access to a water source. It is important when using a mixing medium that the brush or applicator is not soaked or unevenly moistened as this will result in an unsatisfactory application of the powder. When using water from a tap it can be difficult to avoid soaking the brush or applicator. Mixing mediums on the market are typically applied directly to the brush in droplets. It can prove difficult to ensure an even distribution of the mixing medium on the brush. In order to improve the chances of an even distribution consumers often brush the exterior cap of a cosmetic container with their prepared brush or applicator which is undesirable if the cosmetic container is to be returned to a personal bag or purse.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved cosmetic container.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a cosmetic container with an improved design allowing for the incorporation of a mixing medium well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cosmetic container incorporating a mixing medium well comprising: a casing with a cosmetic well capable of holding cosmetic and a mixing medium well capable of holding liquid such as a water based solution disposed therein; and a cap capable of opening and closing relative to the casing.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cosmetic container incorporating a mixing medium well comprising: a lower casing with a mixing medium well capable of holding liquid such as a water based solution disposed therein; an upper casing with a cosmetic well capable of holding cosmetic disposed therein; and a cap capable of opening and closing relative to the upper casing.

The present invention reduces the added bulk of carrying a bottle of mixing medium in addition to a cosmetic container. The present invention also reduces the time required to prepare a brush or applicator for use as it removes the need to locate and dispense mixing medium from a separate bottle or other water source. Instead a consumer's choice of mixing medium is applied to their brush or applicator by the simple insertion of it into the mixing medium well which forms part of their cosmetic container.

Typically, the mixing medium well will contain a synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material which allows for absorption of the mixing medium aiding even distribution of the mixing medium upon application to a brush or applicator.

It is necessary that the mixing medium well is contained within a watertight enclosure to prevent leakages and therefore the upper casing may be attachable to the lower casing by means of a watertight screw connection.

Accordingly, an improved cosmetic container incorporating a mixing medium well is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a representation of a cosmetic container according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a representation of the cosmetic container shown in Figure 1 with the cap open relative to the upper casing exposing the cosmetic well contained within the upper casing; Figure 3 is a representation of the cosmetic container shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the upper casing having been detached from the lower casing exposing the mixing medium well contained within the lower casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Generally speaking, the present invention resides in the provision of a new cosmetic container incorporating a mixing medium well.

Figure 1 illustrates a cosmetic container according to the present invention, generally designated 100 with the cap 103 capable of opening and closing relative to the upper casing 102. The upper casing 102 is also attachable to the lower casing 101. The cap 103 may be affixed to the upper casing 102 in nearly any manner according to design choice, which may include a hinged connection, a snap fit, a vertical friction fit, and the like. The overall design of the upper casing 102, the lower casing 101, the cap 103 and the method of their manufacture, are also matters of design choice.

Figure 2 illustrates the cosmetic container 100 with the cap 103 open relative to the upper casing 102 exposing the cosmetic well 104 contained therein. The cosmetic well 104 may be used to hold a compressed powder cosmetic.

Figure 3 illustrates the cosmetic container 100 with the upper casing 102 detached from the lower casing 101. The upper casing 102 may be attachable to the lower casing 101 in nearly any manner according to design choice, which may include the screw connection 107. This detachment of the upper casing 102 from the lower casing 101 allows access to the mixing medium well 105 contained within the lower casing 101. Contained within the mixing medium well can be a synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material 106 which may be affixed to the mixing medium well 105.

A cosmetic container incorporating a mixing medium well is therefore disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for carrying a cosmetic, the container comprising: a casing with a cosmetic well capable of holding cosmetic and a mixing medium well capable of holding liquid such as a water based solution disposed therein; and a cap capable of opening and closing relative to the casing.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the mixing medium well contains a synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material is affixed to the mixing medium well.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the mixing medium well is contained within a watertight enclosure when the cap is closed relative to the casing.

5. A container for carrying a cosmetic, the container comprising: a lower casing with a mixing medium well capable of holding liquid such as a water based solution disposed therein; an upper casing with a cosmetic well capable of holding cosmetic disposed therein; and a cap capable of opening and closing relative to the upper casing.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the mixing medium well contains a synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the synthetic sponge or similar absorbent like material is affixed to the mixing medium well.

9. The container of claim 5, wherein the lower casing is attachable to the upper casing by means such as a screw connection.

8. The container of claim 9, wherein the mixing medium well is contained within a watertight enclosure when the lower casing is attached to the upper casing.

10. Use of a container according to any of claims 1 to 9 in carrying a cosmetic.

11. A container as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in Figures 1 to 3.