IT202100008171A1 - COSMETIC TESTER CONTAINER/APPLICATOR - Google Patents

Description

Filing of the patent application for an industrial invention entitled:

?COSMETIC TESTER CONTAINER/APPLICATOR?

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device which acts both as a container for cosmetic testers and as an applicator of the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a container/applicator for ecological-type cosmetic testers.

STATE OF THE ART

Does the consumer of cosmetic products need to try the products before making a purchase to verify that they meet your requirements.

Furthermore, make-up cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shadows, concealers, foundations, pencils and other types of cosmetics have a variable final effect depending on the skin type and further characteristics of the user and therefore the need to try them before you buy them? even more heard.

When a consumer wants to try a cosmetic product, the retailer usually offers a full-size item for testing, i.e. the same size as the product on sale, used as a sample. This sample is used by subsequent consumers until the product runs out. Therefore, to the consumer ? offered a sample previously used by other people, with obvious hygienic drawbacks. To avoid these inconveniences, the consumer may not want to apply cosmetics previously used by others directly on himself and may not be able to try the product. In the case of lipsticks, the consumer usually applies the product to the hand to avoid applying it to the lips. There? still generates drawbacks, as the final effect of the product is not? visible.

In addition, consumer protection and health laws have been enacted in several countries that prohibit sharing testers and require cosmetic retailers and companies to provide customers with disposable applicators and/or disposable product samples, and affix warning signs and safety instructions on the testers.

In response to this, manufacturers have introduced single-serving cosmetic samples to be supplied to customers in encapsulated blister packs. If this solution could be useful for fluid creams, which come out of the blister due to gravity? or exerting pressure on the blister, it is much less satisfactory for viscous cosmetics such as lipsticks, or other products usually sold in the form of a bar, since users also need an applicator to be able to try them.

Some cosmetic companies have decided to supply applicators such as brushes, together with each blister, resulting in a high cost of the sample.

Others provide disposable cotton swabs to apply this type of samples with consequent inconvenience both from the point of view of the modality? of application of the product that of the qualit? of results. ? in fact, it is very difficult to correctly apply a cosmetic product, such as lipstick or eye shadow, with a cotton swab. Also, would the tampon absorb a high amount? of product that would be unusable, increasing costs for the manufacturing companies.

Other cosmetic companies have produced disposable testers by supplying containers/applicators of known types of testers in full size, but containing a small amount of product. of product inside. However, this solution is expensive for cosmetic companies due to the high cost of the container/applicator. Furthermore, the well-known cosmetic applicators in the form of a bar, such as lipsticks, eye shadows, etc., present a problem from an ecological point of view. They are in fact coupled to the applicator in such a way that, when it is not? more possible to use the product, a part of this product remains inside the container/applicator as it is extremely difficult to remove it completely. There? does it follow the necessity? to throw the applicator with the residual product in unsorted waste with serious environmental problems. In fact, all unsorted waste ends up in incinerators which cause harmful emissions for humans and the environment.

On the basis of these considerations, the need clearly emerges to supply a container/applicator for cosmetic testers which allows the aforementioned drawbacks to be eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

An objective of the present invention ? therefore that of realizing a container/applicator for cosmetic testers which overcomes, or minimizes, the problems of known types of containers and applicators.

In particular, within the scope of this objective, an object of the present invention is create a container/applicator for cosmetic testers which makes the operation of applying the product to be tested hygienic, simple and effective.

Another object of the present invention ? that of providing a container of cosmetic testers which also acts as an applicator of the same and which is economical to produce.

A further object of the present invention ? that of making available a container/applicator for cosmetic testers which is also ecological.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Said objects are achieved by means of a container/applicator for cosmetic testers having reduced dimensions and comprising a hollow body, a pusher means and a cap, in which the hollow body ? equipped with two ends? open, longitudinally opposite: a first end? for the spill of the cosmetic tester and a second end? adapted to receive the thrust means, said thrust means being able to translate longitudinally inside the hollow body so as to push the cosmetic tester until it comes out completely from the hollow body, the thrust means translating following the application of a force applied to it by the user in the longitudinal direction.

Such a container/applicator, being structurally simple and small in size, ? reasonably disposable, resulting in cos? hygienic, as it is intended for a single user. It also makes the application of the product simple and effective without the need for a spray. to use additional and/or unsuitable applicators.

Said device, which acts both as a container and as an applicator and being small in size and simple to construct, is also low-cost for cosmetic companies.

Furthermore, a container provided with the aforementioned characteristics is ecological as it allows the complete release of the cosmetic product from the container/applicator and therefore an optimal separation of the cosmetic product tester from the same container/applicator, achieving complete recyclability. of the latter.

Preferably, the container/applicator ? between one third and two thirds of the size of the container of the corresponding cosmetic product offered for sale.

even more preferably it has an overall height of from 20 mm to 40 mm and a maximum width of from 8 mm to 12 mm. These dimensions make the container/applicator of the invention extremely economical, as they require a small quantity of of material for the production of the container/applicator and a reduced quantity? of cosmetic product to be inserted inside. At the same time, these dimensions allow easy handling of the container/applicator by the user and a good result from the point of view of product testing.

The Applicant has found that the optimal dimensions of the container/applicator are the following: overall height from 33 mm to 35 mm and maximum width equal to 10 mm.

In preferred embodiments, the hollow body and/or the cap are /? cylindrical type. This shape is simple to construct for the manufacturer and ergonomic for the user.

Preferably, even the cavity? of the hollow body? cylindrical in shape and the means of thrust ? a plunger or a tubular body, preferably cylindrical, for simplicity? constructive.

The hood? connectable to the hollow body by means of a push-type or thread-counter-thread type mechanism. These coupling means are simple and inexpensive.

Preferably at least one of hollow body, thrust means and cap? made of bioplastic, so as to be further ecological.

Advantageously, this bioplastic comprises biopolyethylene (bioPE), preferably deriving from corn, sugar cane, molasses or vegetable oils.

In this context, the term ?tester? indicates a quantity? limited product capable of being offered on trial to the buyer before purchase. Preferably, said product ? a cosmetic make-up product.

Furthermore, the wording ?overall height? refers to the height of the container/applicator in the marketed form, or in the initial configuration defined below.

With the expression "reduced dimensions", in the present context it is meant that the container/tester applicator has dimensions smaller than those of the container of the corresponding cosmetic product offered for sale.

Finally, in the present context, when we speak of "longitudinal direction", we mean a direction parallel to the largest dimension of the container/applicator, ie to its height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, from the embodiments provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and from the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a container/applicator for cosmetic testers, disassembled, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a front view of the hollow body of the container/applicator of Figure 1 , in which ? a cosmetic tester was applied;

- Figure 3 shows the hollow body with the cosmetic product of Figure 2 provided with a cap; And

Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the hollow body with cosmetic product and cap of Figure 3 , provided with thrust means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A container/applicator of a cosmetic tester according to the present invention ? indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.

The container/applicator 1 ? what? called because it has the dual function of containing a cosmetic tester 2, such as a lipstick, lip balm, eye shadow or concealer, and of allowing the user to apply the cosmetic tester 2.

The container/applicator 1 ? preferably of reduced dimensions, ie it has dimensions smaller than the standard dimensions of the containers/applicators for cosmetic products present on the market and therefore with respect to those of the container of the corresponding cosmetic product offered for sale. Preferably, the tester container/applicator 1 of the present invention is made in sizes between one third and two thirds the size of the container of the corresponding cosmetic product offered for sale.

For example, a lipstick ? normally contained in a container with a height of about 80 mm and a diameter or width of about 20 mm. In preferred embodiments, the container/applicator 1 of the present invention instead has an overall height of between 20 mm and 40 mm and a diameter (or maximum width) between 5 mm and 15 mm.

In particular, the Applicant has verified that the container/applicator 1 of cosmetic testers 2 manages to optimize the price/handling ratio when its height ? equal to 33-35 mm and its maximum width (or its diameter in the case of a circular section) ? equal to 10 mm.

The container/applicator 1 comprises a hollow body 3, a pushing means 4 and a cap 5. The hollow body 3 ? equipped with two ends? 3a, 3b open, longitudinally opposite: a first end? 3a suitable for the exit of the cosmetic tester 2 from the container/applicator 1 itself, and a second end? 3b adapted to receive the thrust means 4. In other words, preferably, the first end? 3a of the hollow body 3 acts as an outlet for the cosmetic tester 2 and the second end? 3b serves as an input for the pusher 4.

In the case of bar products, the first end? 3a also serves as an input for cosmetic tester 2, during product production. When the cosmetic product 2 is poured into the container/applicator 1, it is instead inserted through the second end? 3b.

According to the present invention, the thrust means 4 is adapted to translate longitudinally inside the hollow body 3 so as to push the cosmetic tester 2 to come out completely from the hollow body 3, at the first end? 3a. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the thrust means 4 translates following the application of a force exerted by the user in the longitudinal direction. The user can? modulate the outflow of the cosmetic tester 2, by regulating the pressure exerted on the pusher 4.

The push means 4 ? provided with a stop 6 having the dual function of defining a limit switch for the thrust means 4, and of simplifying the test operation for the user. In fact, the stop 6, by increasing the surface of the thrust means 4, favors its manageability. by the user. Furthermore, the catch 6, going into contact with the second end? 3b of the hollow body 3, defines a limit switch which prevents the thrust means 4 from sliding inside the hollow body 3 and coming out from the first end? 3a. Therefore, the thrust means 4 translates longitudinally inside the hollow body 3, from the second end? 3b towards the first end? 3a, pushing the cosmetic tester 2 to come out of the hollow body 3 for a length desired by the user. When the cosmetic tester 2 ? been used, or in any case, when the user wants to throw away the product, ? sufficient to push the pusher 4 until it reaches the limit switch, or until the stop 6 comes into contact with the second end? 3b of the hollow body 3. Thus, the cosmetic tester 2 comes out completely from the hollow body 3 and can? be thrown away with suitable waste, on the basis of its nature. Similarly, the container/applicator 1 can? be thrown in the corresponding waste.

The Applicant has in fact considered that, since the container/applicator 1 is designed for a single use, it is not? necessary that the cosmetic tester 2 is brought back inside the hollow body 3 after use and therefore it is not? it must be firmly connected to the pushing means 4, as happens for containers/applicators of the product for sale in natural dimensions of known type. For the latter, in fact, it is extremely difficult to completely separate the product from the applicator, as previously mentioned.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures, the hollow body 3 is of the cylindrical type. In this embodiment, the cap 5 also has a cylindrical shape. However, the hollow body 3 and the cap 5 could have any shape and could have the same shape or different external shapes.

They can be connected to each other in a reversible manner, so as to form a closed and therefore hygienic container for the cosmetic tester 2 when not in use. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cap 5 is connectable to the hollow body 3 in a removable manner by means of a push-type mechanism.

Alternatively, could it be envisaged to make a thread at the first end? 3a suitable for coupling with a corresponding counter-threading made at the base of the cap 5 to make a connection by screwing.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, also the cavity? of the hollow body 3 ? cylindrical in shape, so as to receive a cosmetic tester 2 in the form of a circular section bar. Alternatively, cosmetic tester 2 ? introduced by pouring? Inside the cavity? of the hollow body 3, preferably through the second end? 3b, as mentioned above.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the thrust means 4 is a tubular body with a circular section able to slide inside the hollow body 3 with a cavity? cylindrical. However, if the cavity of the hollow body 3 would have a square section, the thrust means 4 in the form of a tubular body would also have a square section. In other words, does the shape of the thrust means 4 depend on the shape of the cavity? of the hollow body 3.

The pushing means 4 could be a plunger. In this case, the head of the piston intended to contact the internal walls of the hollow body 3 must have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cavity of the same, while the rod that pushes the head of the piston can? have any shape.

As previously mentioned, the thrust means 4 ? provided with a stop 6, positioned at one end? of the thrust means 4 itself. In particular, the catch 6 ? arranged at the end? opposite to the one intended to contact the cosmetic tester 2. Is it intended to hit the second end? 3b of the hollow body 3 so as to define the stroke end of the pushing means 4 itself.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, this stop 6 has the shape of a circular crown perpendicular to the tubular body, however it could be of any shape. Naturally, the external diameter of the circular crown will be? greater than the outer diameter of the hollow body 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stop 6 could comprise a protrusion positioned on the side walls of the tubular body of the thrust means 4.

Preferably, the container/applicator 1 is also provided with sealing means, not shown in the figures, suitable for keeping the thrust means 4 in the initial configuration, which is? the one shown in figure 4. These sealing means prevent the thrust means 4 from coming out of the hollow body 3 through the second end? 3b. Such sealing means could for example comprise grip elements located on at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow body 3 or of the outer surface of the thrust means 4.

Preferably, the initial configuration of the container/applicator 1 foresees that the pushing means 4 is partially inserted in the hollow body 3, at its second end? 3b. Therefore the? Overall height of the product? given by the height of the cap 5 added to the height of the hollow body 3 and to the height of the portion of thrust means 4 which protrudes from it.

Preferably the hollow body 3 has a height of 15 mm, the cap 5 has a height of 12 mm and the thrust means 4 has a height of 17 mm. As visible in figure 3, once the cap 5 has been applied, a portion of the first end? 3a of the hollow body 3 ? inserted inside the cap 5. The sum of the height of the hollow body 3 with the cap 5, once the cap 5 has been applied, is? preferably equal to 25 mm.

Preferably, the thrust means, in the initial configuration, protrudes from the hollow body 3 for a length equal to 10 mm. In this way the total length of the container/applicator 1 in the initial configuration, i.e. in the marketed form, it is equal to 33-35 mm.

The push means 4 ? therefore movable inside the hollow body 3 so as to define an initial configuration in which it ? partially inserted in the hollow body 3, at the second end? 3b, and a final configuration in which it partially emerges from the hollow body 3 at the first end? 3a.

The change from the initial configuration to the final one? exclusively due to the longitudinal thrust applied to the base of the thrust element 4 by the user.

In accordance with a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the hollow body 3, thrust means 4 and cap 5? made of bioplastic.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one of the hollow body, thrust means and cap is made of bioplastic. Preferably, both the hollow body, the thrust means and the cap are made of bioplastic, even if not necessarily of the same bioplastic. Pi? preferably, they are all made with the same bioplastic. There? results in a reduced environmental impact and greater ease? of recycling.

Bioplastic is, according to the definition given by European Bioplastics, a type of plastic that can be biodegradable, or bio-based (or bio-based), or possess both characteristics. Pi? precisely:

- can? derive (partially or entirely) from biomass and not be biodegradable (for example: bio-PE, bio-PP, bio-PET),

- can? derive entirely from non-renewable raw materials and be biodegradable (for example: PBAT, PCL, PBS),

- can? derive (partially or entirely) from biomass and be biodegradable (for example: PLA, PHA, PHB, starch-based plastics).

According to the definition given by Assobioplastiche, by bioplastics we mean those materials and manufactured articles, whether from renewable sources or of fossil origin, which have the characteristic of being biodegradable and compostable.

Some examples of bioplastics are:

- bioplastics obtained from corn starch, wheat, tapioca and/or potatoes: Mater-Bi (by Novamont), Bi-Comp (by Biopolytech), Biolice (by LCI), Bioplast (by Biotec; obtained from potato starch), Cereplast Compostables (by Cereplast), Biotecnomais, Vegemat (by Vegeplast), Solanyl,

- biodegradable bioplastics: Apinat (by API Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali) - poly(lactic acid), more? known as polylactic acid (or PLA), obtained from sugars: PLA Ingeo (from NatureWorks Llc)

- polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)

- polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)

- polyhydroxyvaleriate (PHV)

- polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH)

- polybutylene succinate (PSB)

- cellulose-based bioplastics: Biograde

- bioplastics deriving from hemp

Preferably, such a bioplastic comprises biopolyethylene (bioPE). Pi? preferably, such bioplastic ? biopolyethylene (bioPE).

Advantageously, such bioPE comes from corn, sugar cane, molasses or vegetable oils.

Preferably, the container/applicator 1 of the present invention ? made of bioPE derived from sugar cane. In preferred embodiments, the bioPE employed is I'm green<TM >polyethylene marketed by Braskem. Advantageously, bioPE derived from sugar cane maintains the same properties, performance and versatility application of polyethylene of fossil origin, which facilitates its immediate use in the plastic production chain. For the same reason, can also conveniently be recycled within the same recycling chain as traditional polyethylene.

According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, the container/applicator 1 of the present invention is made of PLA, PHA or biocomposites obtained from wood fiber, hemp, flax or bamboo. In this case, the container/applicator 1 would also be biodegradable and compostable.

In accordance with some embodiments, the cap 5 is in transparent material, so as to allow rapid identification of the cosmetic product 2.

Preferably, the thickness of the materials used? 1-3mm.

The container/applicator 1 can? also be provided with a film positioned inside the hollow body 3, near? of its first extremity? 3a. This film, not shown in the figures, is adapted to support the cosmetic tester 2 so that it partially remains outside the hollow body 3, once positioned inside it, and allows easy recognition of the product. This film? made of flexible material so that the pushing means 4 is able to deform it to push the cosmetic tester 2 completely out, when it is desired to get rid of it. Alternatively, the film made of easily removable material, so that the thrust means 4 is able to pierce it and push the cosmetic tester 2 to come out completely to be thrown into a suitable waste collector.

In both cases, the film made of the same material as the container/collector 1 or in a material compatible with it, or a material that can be thrown into the same separate collection container.

To obtain a test sample to be supplied to the potential buyer of a cosmetic product, ? simply place the cosmetic tester 2 (a bar of viscous product in the case of lipstick, lip balm, viscous eyeshadow, soft pencil or concealer or a portion of solid or liquid product in the case of powder, gel or liquid products) in the inside the hollow body 3 and close the container/applicator 1 with the cap 5.

The cosmetic tester 2 can be inserted into the hollow body 3 through the first end? 3a or the second extremity? 3b.

In order to use the cosmetic tester 2, the user must not do nothing but remove the cap 5 and push the cosmetic tester 2 out of the hollow body 3, through the first end? 3a, exerting a longitudinal pressure on the thrust means 4, in the event that it is positioned substantially completely inside the hollow body 3.

In the event that the cosmetic tester 2 is positioned at least partially outside the hollow body 3 (for example due to the presence of the film), the user must simply remove the cap 5 and proceed with application.

When the? user no longer wants? use the product supplied on trial, shouldn't I? do nothing but push the pusher 4, applying a longitudinal force to it, until the complete exit of the cosmetic tester 2 from the hollow body 3 and let the same cosmetic tester 2 fall into the relative waste collector and then throw away the container/applicator 1 in its corresponding binder.

Variants and modifications can be made to the container/applicator 1 as previously described, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. The shape, size, location and/or orientation of the various phase components can be varied. The functions of an element or module can be performed by two or more? components or modules, and vice versa. Components shown directly connected or in contact may have intermediate structures disposed between them. Furthermore, the materials employed may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

Claims (10)

1. Container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) having small dimensions and comprising a hollow body (3), a pusher means (4) and a cap (5), in which the hollow body (3) is? equipped with two ends? (3a, 3b) open, longitudinally opposite: a first end? (3a) for the release of the cosmetic tester (2) and a second end? (3b) suitable for receiving the thrust means (4), said thrust means (4) being able to translate longitudinally inside the hollow body (3) so as to push the cosmetic tester (2) until it comes out completely from the hollow body (3), the thrust means (4) translating following the application of a force applied to it by the user in the longitudinal direction. 2. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of claim 1, said container/applicator (1) being made in dimensions comprised between one third and two thirds with respect to the dimensions of the container of the corresponding cosmetic product offered for sale. 3. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of claim 1 or 2, said container/applicator (1) having an overall height of 20mm to 40mm and a maximum width of 8mm to 12mm. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of claim 3, having an overall height of from 33 mm to 35 mm and a maximum width equal to 10 mm. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the hollow body (3) and/or the cap (5) are cylindrical type. 6. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (1) of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the cavity? of the hollow body (3) ? cylindrical in shape. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the pushing means (4) is ? a plunger or a tubular body. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the cap (5) is connectable to the hollow body (3) by means of a push-type or thread-counter-thread type mechanism. The cosmetic tester container/applicator (1) (2) of any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the hollow body (3), pusher means (4) and cap (5) is made of bioplastic. The container/applicator (1) of cosmetic testers (2) of claim 9, wherein such bioplastic comprises biopolyethylene (bioPE), preferably derived from corn, sugar cane, molasses or vegetable oils.