US2394961A - Cosmetic container - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 12, 1946. A. AUERBAC-H COSMETIC CONTAINER Filed June 15, 1942 Patented Feb. 12, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COSMETIC CONTAINER Abraham Auerbach, Buffalo, N. Y., assignor to F. N. Burt Company, Inc., Buffalo, N. Y., a-corporation of Delaware Application June 15, 1942, 'SerialNO. 447,095

2 Claims. (Cl.'206"5'6) V This invention relates to improvements in cosmetic containers or holders, and more particularly 'to that type of such containers adapted to hold lipsticks or similar cosmetics, and to propel the 'lipsticks so as to extend them into a position for use and to retract the same into enclosed position within the container.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a container of the class mentioned with an improved means for extending and retracting the cosmetic, constructed and arranged in such a way that the movements of the cosmetic holder or cup will be smooth and steady and to avoid undue rough or jerky motions thereof, or jogging from side to side within the container, such as would interfere with the cup movements or impose undue wear or strain upon the operative parts. I

Another object of the invention is to provide a container of the class mentioned that can be economically manufactured entirely or almost entirely from non-metallic materials, such as paper, pas'teboard, fiberboard, plastic materials, and the like, and at the same time to provide an improved propelling mechanism for the cosmetic to assure smooth, even, unobstructed movements thereof during the projecting and retracting movements.

Still another ob ject of the invention is to provide for containers of the class. mentioned, an improved propelling mechanism for the cosmetic including a driving lug connected to the cosmetic carrier or cup, and adapted to cooperate with guiding elements of the container so as to effect a smooth stead movement of the cup Within the container and to avoid undue jogging or wobbling from side to side such as might impede the 'free movements of the cup and cosmetic, and result in undue 'wear or injury. V I

A further object of the invention is to provide for containers of the class mentioned an improved driving means for the cosmetic carrier or cup, including a driving lug therefor constructed and arranged not only to efiect smooth unobstructed movements of the carrier, but to cooperate with the helical or spiral driving groove in the paper or,

cardboard tube 'so as to avoid undue wear or crumpling or otherwise injuring the edges. of the groove.

Other objects of the invention will be in part pointed out in the following detailed description of an illustrative but preferred embodiment of the invention, and will be in part obvious as the disclosure proceeds.

The inventionaccordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and-the scopeof the application of which will be indicated in the claims. V

For amore complete disclosure of the nature, objects and advantages of the invention,reference is had to the following description of the illustrative preferred embodiment of the invention and to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. Us a perspective view of the improved container showing the cover part removed from the main container part;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged central longitudinal sectional view of the complete container; 7

Fig. 3 is a disassembly or exploded perspective view of the main body part of the container showing the component parts thereof; 7

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 looking downwardly; A

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the cosmetic cup or carrier;

Fig. -6 is an enlarged perspective View of the driving lug for the cosmetic cup; and

' Fig. 7 is a fragmentary partially diagrammatical elevation taken substantially at the irregular line 1-1 of Fig. 2 and showing the cooperative relation of the driving lug with the drivingparts of the inner and outer tubes. 7

Due to ,the scarcity of metals and some other materials at present available for the manufacture of commodities notnecessaryfor defense-the cosmetic container herein disclosed has been especially designed so that it can be constructed wholly or almost Wholly-of availablenon-metallic materials. In this development, paper, cardboard or similar fibrous material and plastic material have been almost wholly substituted for metal. Due to this substitution of materials, the container has been redesigned and the propelling mechanism for the cosmetic carrier has been reconstructed so as ,to provide a container that is satisfactory for use despite the change of mate rials.

Referring to the drawing for-a detailed description of the embodiment of the invention there shown, the complete container Ill is of tubular construction having a main or body part II and a cover part I2 adapted to telescope in closing relation over the body part. The cosmetic shown in the form of a lipstick I3 is housed within the body part of the container for retraction therein asshown .in Fig. '1, or for projection from the tube into position for use.

The body part II of the container includes an outer tube [4, a telescoping inner tube l5, and a I cosmetic carrier or cup H in which the lipstick i3 is received. The carrier I6 is mounted for longitudinal projecting and retracting movements within the inner tube [5 and the tube I5 is mounted for rotation within the outer tube M which is provided with an inner spiral or helical groove ll. The cap member l2 and the outer tube M are preferably constructed of cardboard, fiberboard ,or similar i lbrous material,;while the rotary inner-tube} 531s preferably constructed, of one of the well known plastic materials, such as, cellulose acetate. While the carrier or cup 5 may be made of these fibrous or plastic materials, it is preferable at present to use light metal in its construction.

The outer tube M, as shown, may include an outer layer I8 of cardboard and an inner layer IQ of similar material. Heavy kraft paper is conface cooperating with the bottom surface of the helical groove l! to further aid in guiding and steadying the movements of the cosmetic carrier l6.

The rotary inner tube I5 of plastic material is provided with a straight elongated slot 21 extending through the tube walls and forming substantially straight oppositely disposed longitudinal guidesurfaces. This slot is. of sufficient longi- 'tudinal. extent to accommodate the projecting and retracting movements of the cup 16 and of a Width to snugly receive the propelling lug 2| at its upper endwith an integral terminal bead sidered as being best adapted for these layers;

' strip of material for the inner layer in spiral or helical formation with the adjacent edges spaced apart a sufficient distanc'e'to form the groove H of appropriate dimensions.

The'cosmetic carrier or cup 16 is preferably cylindrical as shownghaving a bottom and an 'open'top and of a diameter to'fit fairly snugly within the inner tube l5 'so it can be projected and retracted therein freely and without obstruction. The lipstick l3 fits snugly in the cup through the upper opening thereof. Aninturned ledge or flange 2U integral with the cup wall may be formed inside of the cup to provide a rest for the lower end of the lipstick'l3. The supporting flange may occupy any desired position alongthe length of the cup, or it may be omitted. H

A propelling lug 2| is also provided for the cup Hi, this also being preferably formed of metal. While for some purposes the propelling lug 2! could be formed as an integral part of the cup 16 by pressing the walls thereofoutwardly, it is preferably, as shown, made as a separate part and is attached to thewall of'thejcup tolproject from the outer surface thereof. For this purpose, the

lug 2| has attaching extensions 22 adapted to extend through the opening 23in the wall of the cup formed by slitting and bending the support-'- ing flange inwardly. These attaching extensions' may be bent outwardly against theinner surface of the cup so I as to attach the lug securely in position. The lug is formed with shoulders 24 seating against the outer surface of the cupfwhereby whenthe attaching extensions are clinched or bent, as shown, the lug is anchored firmlyin position upon the cup.

It will be noticed that the propelling lug 2| is especially constructed with substantially parallel oppositely disposed flat, straightgluiding surfaces 25 and with angularly disposed rounded smooth surfaces 26. As'shown, the surfaces 26 are substantially at diagonally opposite corners ofthe lug, but their exact positioning may vary somewhat, dependent upon the pitch or inclination of thehelical $101) I? in which the lug engages in propelling relation. In its preferred form as disclosed the propelling lug 2 I' is substantially boxlike in formation although it is obviously unnecessary that it be hollow. In addition to the oppositely disposed parallel guiding surfaces 25, and the diagonally opposed guiding surfaces 26, the outwardly disposed surfaces ofthis lug shown at the left in Fig. 6 also functions as a guiding sur- 28 functioning as a guide and retaining member for engagement with the upper end of the outer tube [4 when the parts are in assembled relation, as shown in Fig. 2. The plastic material is well adapted for the formation of this retaining bead 28 as it can easily be rolled integral withthe tube walls and when thusformed provides .a finishing bead at the extreme upper end of the inner and outer tubes. In assembling the cup IS with the inner tube 15, the latter may be distorted slightly to permit the propelling lug 2| to enter into the slot 21, or the lug may be applied in position after the cup has been entered into the inner tube, or the assembly, may be effected in any other desired manner.

It will be seen that the opposed guiding surfaces 25 of the propelling lug 2i are continuous and uninterrupted throughout their operative extent so that the entire bearing surfaces of the opposed elongated guiding edges of the longitudinal slot 21 are engaged'in all positions of movement of the lug along said slot. In other words, there are no edges or interruptions on these guiding surfaces 25 which could in any way engage with said elongated guiding edges to obstruct or interfere with free movements of the lug along the slot 2?. Also, it will be noted that the rounded guiding corners 25 of the lug 2| are continuous and uninterrupted so as to function in Y their guiding contact with the walls of the helical groove H in a manner'similar to that of the guiding surfaces 25with the walls of the slot 21, the entire surface of the edge walls of the helical groove being constantly engaged by these rounded corners. The guiding surfaces 25 and the rounded guiding corners 25 of the propelling lug are preferably adjacent to each other as shown, substantially merging one with another. Also, all of these guidingsurfaces are positioned at the lateral peripheral of the lug 2| as distinguished from the outer or end guiding surface thereof that engages with the bottom surface of the helical groove ll. These improved structural features cooperate to steady the movements of the carrier cup It in the container and to, avoid obstruction thereto and to prevent irregular or jerky movements thereof.

The lower end of the inner tube i5 is provided with a closure member 29 having acircular boss or projection 35 snugly fitting within the lower end of the inner tube in which it may be secured by an adhesive or other means. This closure has an annular peripheral extension providing .a button or handle adapted to be grippedby the user for rotating the inner tube relatively to the outer tube. The lower end of the outer tube i4 rests in sliding relation on the annularextensionof the closure 29, thus cooperating with the retaining bead 23 to hold theinner and outer 'tubesin assembled relation. I'his annular extension also serves as a rest for the lower end of the cover tube l2. Also, the cover member [2 is provided with a similar closure 3| for closing the upper end thereof and preferably held in position in the cover tube I2 by means of an adhesive. The closure members 29 and 3| may be made of any convenient material, such as fiberboard, wood, plastic, or of a commercial material known as vegetable ivory.

When the parts of the container are in assembled relation, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the retaining bead 28 slidably engages the upper end.

of the outer tube 14 during relative rotation *of the inner tube, thus retaining these tubes in the correct assembled relative positions. As best seen in Fig. '7, it will be noticed that the propelling lug 2| snugly engages with the opposite guide Walls of the slot 21 of the inner tube [5 while permitting the requisite freedom of movement. At

the same time the diagonally disposed smooth' rounded surfaces 25 of the propelling lug engage in propelling relation with the opposite propelling surfaces of the helical groove l1. Thus, when the inner tube is rotated by means of the handle 29, the cup l6 together with the cosmetic.

will be projected or retracted dependent upon the direction of rotation. During these movements in either direction the flat straight guiding surfaces 25 of the propelling lug, being substantially parallel to and complementary with the opposite guiding surfaces of the slot 21, function to cause a smooth even movement of the cup and en tirely avoids any uneven, irregular or jerky movements thereof, or jogging from side to side. At the same time, the smooth rounded cornersurfaces 26 of the lug engage the fibrous edges of the helical slot 21, thus further promoting the smooth regular movements of the carrier cup and avoiding crushing or fraying or other damage to the material of the groove l1. Also as above pointed out, the outwardly disposed or outer end surface of the propelling lug 2| forms a guiding surface cooperating with the bottom guiding surface of the helical groove I! to aid further in guiding and steadying the movements of the cos.- metic cup l6. As clearly seen in Figs. 2 and 4, this end guiding surface of the lug 6 is substantially complementary with the bottom guiding surface of the groove [1; in other words, this end guiding surface is curved slightly to conform to the curvature of the outer layer or shell l8 forming the bottom of the helical groove I'I. By virtue of this arrangement the cosmetic can always be projected for use and retracted after use with the greatest of ease, and jamming or undue wear or injury to the parts are wholly avoided.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a cosmetic container, in combination, a tube having a slot forming opposed longitudinally disposed elongated guiding edges, a second tube telescoping with the first and having a helical groove with guiding walls, a cosmetic carrier mounted for longitudinal projection and retraction in the inner of said tubes, and a substantially box-like propelling lug on said cosmetic carrier extending through said slot and groove respectively of the telescoping tubes, said lug having two opposed lateral guiding sides extending in the direction of the length of said elongated guiding edges and terminating at corners of the lug, said guiding sides being in continuous uninterrupted face contacting guiding relation with said guiding edges throughout their surfaces so as to guide and steady the carrier in its longitudinal movements and to minimize irregular movements thereof, said box-like propelling lug having said corners rounded to provide smooth driving surfaces which engage in driving relation with the walls of said helical groove.

2. In a cosmetic container, in combination, a tube having a slot forming opposed longitudinally disposed elongated guiding edges, a second tube telescoping with the first and having a helical groove with guiding walls and with a curved guiding surface at the bottom thereof curved transversely substantially in conformity with the tubular walls of the container, a cosmetic carrier mounted for longitudinal projection and retraction in the inner of said tubes, and a substantially box-like propelling lug on said cosmetic carrier extending through said slot and groove respectively of the telescoping tubes, said lug hav ing two opposed lateral guiding sides extending in the direction of the length of said elongated guiding edges and terminating at corners of the lug, said guiding sides being in continuous uninterrupted face contacting guiding relation with said guiding edges throughout their surfaces so as to guide and steady the carrier in its longitudinal movements and to minimize irregular movements thereof, said box-like propelling lug having said corners rounded to provide smooth driving surfaces which engage in driving relation with the walls of said helical groove, and said box-like propelling lug having an outer transversely curved guiding surface substantially complementary with said curved guiding surface at the bottom of said helical groove and cooperating therewith in guiding relation to guide and steady the cosmetic carrier in its longitudinal movements.

ABRAHAM AU'ERBACH.

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