WO2016049253A1

WO2016049253A1 - Fluid container

Info

Publication number: WO2016049253A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/051817
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Christopher WIGHTMAN
Original assignee: Worldwide Packaging Llc.
Priority date: 2014-09-24
Filing date: 2015-09-24
Publication date: 2016-03-31
Also published as: US20160081453A1

Abstract

A fluid container having a base with a reservoir; an applicator having a handle; and a pivot frame with a cavity arranged to mate with the handle. The fluid container may contain a pivot frame arranged to rotate 360 degrees and to cover an outer circumferential edge of the fluid container. A method of using the fluid container including detaching a pivot frame from a handle; removing an applicator from a reservoir; and using the applicator to apply a cosmetic.

Description

FLUID CONTAINER

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid container and, more particularly, to a fluid container with a pivot frame.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cosmetic product dispensing containers are known in the art to allow for housing and dispensing of a fluid product. Most cosmetic product dispensing containers provide a reservoir for housing the product, an applicator that can be inserted and stored in the reservoir, and an outlet where the cosmetic product is dispensed. In many cases, the applicator includes a cap that can be secured to the outlet where the product is dispensed using threads such as a screw thread or a single thread such as a ridge wrapped around a cylinder.

[0003] It is important in the cosmetic industry to provide a cosmetic product dispensing container for cosmetic products which not only protects the dispensing container but also secures the applicator to the reservoir when the applicator is being stored and is not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] According to various example aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid container comprising, for example, a base with a reservoir, a cap and applicator assembly, and a pivot frame.

[0005] More particularly, according to various example aspects, the fluid container comprises a base having a reservoir; an applicator having a handle; and a pivot frame having a cavity arranged to mate with the handle. The pivot frame may be attached to the base, which may further comprises a coupler comprising an orifice arranged to receive the applicator. The pivot frame may be attached to the coupler. In certain aspects, the pivot frame may be attached to opposite ends of the coupler. The cavity may comprise a reflective material such as a mirror. In certain example aspects, when the pivot frame is in a position parallel to the base and the applicator is in the reservoir, the handle is arranged to mate with the cavity. The pivot frame and handle may comprise a fastener arranged to fasten the pivot frame to the handle. In other example aspects, when the pivot frame is not parallel to the base, the applicator is arranged to separate from the base. The base, coupler and applicator may be threadless. The pivot frame may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof. The base may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass and combinations thereof. The reservoir may comprise a fluid selected from a group consisting of a cosmetic, paint, glue, slurry and mixtures thereof. The fluid may be a lipstick, lip gloss, chapstick, mascara, concealer, foundation, hair dye and nail polish.

[0006] According to various example aspects, the disclosure is directed to a fluid container comprising: a base comprising a plurality of reservoirs; a plurality of applicators, each of the applicators comprising a handle; and a plurality of pivot frames, each of the pivot frames comprising a cavity arranged to mate with the handle of a respective one of the applicators. Each cavity may comprise a mirror. Each of the reservoirs may be arranged to store a corresponding one of the applicators.

[0007] According to example aspects, the disclosure relates to a fluid container comprising: a base comprising a reservoir; an applicator comprising a handle; and a pivot frame arranged to rotate 360 degrees and to cover an outer circumferential edge of the fluid container.

[0008] In yet further example aspects, the disclosure relates to a method of using any of the fluid containers disclosed herein, the method comprising: detaching a pivot frame from a handle; removing an applicator from a reservoir; and using the applicator to apply a cosmetic. [0009] The above summary provides a basic understanding of the aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is not intended to identify all key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present one or more aspects of the disclosure in a summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows and the features described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description of examples presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which:

[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. IB is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. ID is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. IE is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. IF is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1G is a back view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. [0018] FIG. 1H is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2B is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2C is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2D is another left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2E is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2F is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2G is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2H is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3B is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3C is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. [0030] FIG. 3D is another left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3E is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3F is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3G is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3H is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4A is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4B is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4D is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 4E is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 4F is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0041] Example aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of fluid containers. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects will readily suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example aspects of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. The same reference indicators will be used to the extent possible throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.

[0042] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid container as shown in FIGs 1 A-1H. The fluid container may have a base 105 with a reservoir 110 therein as shown in FIG. ID. The reservoir 110 may hold a fluid, for example, a cosmetic including, but not limited to lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, concealer, facial cream and nail polish as well as other types of fluids (e.g., paint, glue, slurries, etc.).

[0043] In certain example aspects, as shown in FIG. 1H, the base 105 may have an opening 106 at one end thereof, which may be formed through a protrusion 107. A coupler 108 (e.g., a collar) may be fitted over the protrusion 107, the coupler 108 having an orifice 109. The orifice 109 may be shaped to receive an applicator 101 (collectively 115, 120, 125, 130), which can be used to apply fluid from the reservoir 110 to an external surface including, but not limited to, skin, plastic, porcelain, canvas and paper as well as other types of surfaces. According to certain example aspects of the disclosure, a wiper 111 may be inserted into the orifice 109 such that the wiper 111 can remove excess fluid from at least the applicator tip 115 and/or can form a substantially uniform film (e.g., having a thickness that varies by about 1 mm or less as measured with calipers) on a surface of the applicator tip 115. The applicator tip 115 may be attached to a rod 120 as shown in FIG. 1H, the rod 120 being attached to a cap insert 125. A cap 130 may be arranged within the cap insert 125 thereby forming the applicator 101. The cap 130 and cap insert 125 together form a handle of the applicator 101.

[0044] The fluid container may also have a pivot frame 135 as shown in FIGs 1A-1H. The pivot frame 135 may be rotatably attached to the coupler 108 through a pair of recesses 137 and protrusions 136 such that the pair of recesses 137 in the pivot frame 135 can mate with the pair of protrusions 136 on the coupler 108 as shown in FIGs 1A-1H. Alternatively, the recesses 137 may be positioned the coupler 108 and the protrusions 136 on the pivot frame 135 (not shown). Other methods and apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art for rotatably attaching the pivot frame 135 to the coupler 108 and/or reservoir 105 (e.g., hinges like mechanical or living hinges) are also possible and may be used; the examples disclosed herein are not limiting. The pivot frame 135 may further include a cavity 140 which may have therein a reflective material 145, for example, a mirror and/or may have a powder (not shown) such as a cosmetic including, but not limited to blush, bronzer, eye shadow and other types of powders. The reflective material 145 may be secured to the cavity 140 by a variety of means including, but not limited to, tape, glue, Velcro^® and silicone adhesive.

[0045] According to example aspects of the disclosure, the pivot frame 135 may rotate over a range of about 90 degrees or greater as shown in FIGs 1A-1C. For example, when the pivot frame 135 is in an open position, the pivot frame 135 may be perpendicular (or close to perpendicular) to a vertical axis of the base 105 as shown in FIGs IB and 1C. When the pivot frame 135 is in a closed position, the pivot frame 135 may be parallel or in-line with the vertical axis of the base 105 as shown in FIGs 1A and 1D-1H.

[0046] In certain example aspects, when the pivot frame 135 is in the closed position, the cavity 140 may be arranged to receive and/or may be shaped to mate with the cap 130 of the applicator and cap assembly 101 as shown in FIGs 1A-1H. The pivot frame 135 may be arranged such that it is substantially integral with the cap 130 and the base 105 when in the closed position as shown in FIGs 1A-1H.

[0047] When the pivot frame 135 is in the open position as shown in FIGs IB and 1C, the applicator 101 may be removed from the reservoir 110 and used together with the reflective material 145 to apply a fluid from the reservoir 110. If a powder is in the cavity 140 of the pivot frame 135, such powder may also be accessible when the pivot frame 135 is in the open position. For example, the reservoir 110 may hold one type of cosmetic (e.g., a lipstick) to be applied with the applicator 115 while the cavity 140 holds another type of cosmetic (e.g., blush or eye shadow) to be applied with a different applicator (not shown) or a different portion of the applicator (not shown).

[0048] The pivot frame 135 also may include a fastener assembly of the cap 130 (not shown) that can suitably align with a latch of the pivot frame 135 to secure the pivot frame 135 to the applicator 101 when in the closed position. When the applicator 101 is positioned in the reservoir 110, the handle 120, 125, 130 seals the reservoir 110 from the external environment. Similarly, the applicator 101 is also secured to the base 105 and coupler 108 via the pivot frame 135. Therefore, threads such as a screw thread or a single thread such as a ridge wrapped around a cylinder are not needed to secure the cap and applicator assembly 101 to the coupler 108 and base 105. More particularly, the base 105, couple 108, orifice 109 and/or the applicator 101 may be threadless.

[0049] According to various example aspects, the pivot frame 135 may be constructed from a metal, ceramic, glass, and/or a plastic material including but not limited to, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polymers of cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalic acid (PCTA), polyoxymethylene, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, neoprene, santoprene, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer and combinations thereof. The material may be opaque or clear. Such material may provide protection against external forces and shock absorption to the fluid container in case the container is dropped. The base 105 similarly may be constructed from metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or any combination thereof.

[0050] According to various example aspects of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 2A, the fluid container may include a base 205 with two reservoirs 210a, 210b, two applicators 201a, 201b, and two pivot frames 235a, 235b. The remaining features of the fluid container shown in FIGs 2A-2H are similar to those shown in FIGs 1A-1H. For example, each of the applicators 201a and 201b include an applicator tip 215a, 215b, a rod 220a, 220b, a cap insert 225a, 225b and a cap 230a, 230b, respectively, as shown in FIGs. 2A-2H.. Similarly, each applicator 201a, 201b has a handle comprised of 225a, 230a and 225b, 230b, respectively. In certain example aspects, there may be an inner cap (not shown) within the cap 225a, 230 and 225b, 230b.

[0051] Additionally, each of the pivot frames 235a, 235b may rotate about 90 degrees or greater with respect to a vertical axis of the base 205. In certain example aspects, each pivot frame 235a, 235b may include a reflective material 245a, 245b (e.g., a mirror) and/or a powder (e.g., a cosmetic such as blush, bronzer, eye shadow, etc.)(not shown). In certain example aspects, one of the pivot frames 235a, 235b may include a reflective material 245a, 245b while the other of the pivot frames 235a, 235b includes a powder (not shown). The pivot frames 235a, 235b may provide protection to the top and bottom portions of the base 205. In certain example aspects, the axes about which the pivot frames 235a, 235b rotate may be positioned close together such that the two pivot frames 235a, 235b protect substantially the entire left and right edges of the base 205 as well as the top and bottom edges.

[0052] In certain example aspects, the fluid container shown in FIGs 2A-2H may have a cosmetic of one type and/or color in one reservoir 210a, 210b and a cosmetic of a different type and/or color in the other reservoir 210a, 210b. For example, the fluid in one of the reservoirs 210a, 210b may be a matte finish lipstick of a particular color, while the fluid in the other of the reservoirs 210a, 210b may be a lip gloss that is colorless. Other combinations of fluids in reservoirs 210a, 210b include, but are not limited to, a daytime lipstick (e.g., of light or nude color) and an evening lipstick (e.g., of dark or bright color), a lipstick and a chapstick, a lipstick and a mascara, a matte lipstick and a cream lipstick, a lipstick and a lip gloss, a chapstick and a facial cream, a mascara and eyelash glue, a foundation and concealer, a liquid eye shadow and eyebrow treatment, and a paint and glue.

[0053] In yet further example aspects of the disclosure, as shown in FIGs 3A-3H and FIGs 4A-4H the pivot frame 335 may surround a circumferential edge of the base 305, cap 330 and applicator 301 as shown in FIGs 3A-3H and FIGs 4A-4H which can provide protection to each edge of these components. As shown in FIGs 3H and 4H, the applicator 301 may be comprised of the applicator tip 315, rod 320, cap insert 325 and cap 330. Base 305 includes a reservoir 310 for storing a fluid. The reservoir 310 is adapted to receive a portion of the applicator 301 as shown in FIGs 3A and 3G and FIGs 4A and 4G. The base 305 may have an opening 306 at an end thereof with a coupler 308 may be positioned on the end of the base 305. As shown in FIGs 3H and 4H, the coupler 308 may have an orifice 309 in

communication with the opening 306 of the base 305 and a wiper 311 may be inserted into the orifice 309. Pivot frame 335 may be attached to the fluid container via a pair of protrusions 336 that are inserted into a pair of holes 337 on opposite sides of base 305.

[0054] In certain example aspects, as shown in FIGs 4B and 4D-4F, pivot frame 335 may include a cavity 340 having therein a reflective material 345 such as a mirror and/or a cosmetic such as a blush, bronzer or eye shadow. The cavity 340 may be arranged and/or shaped to mate with the handle 330. In other example aspects, as shown in FIGs 3F-3H, pivot frame 335 may not have a reflective material 345 and may be rotatable 360 degrees about the axis of the base 305, thereby forming a gyroscope effect.

[0055] One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and placement of such structures may be varied depending on the particular application. Apart from the functional aspects the structures provide, they also provide a novel decorative element. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the decorative possibilities such shapes present.

[0056] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific examples. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various examples with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A fluid container comprising:

a base comprising a reservoir;

an applicator comprising a handle; and

a pivot frame comprising a cavity arranged to mate with the handle.

2. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the pivot frame is attached to the base.

3. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a coupler comprising an orifice arranged to receive the applicator.

4. The fluid container of claim 3, wherein the pivot frame is attached to the coupler.

5. The fluid container of claim 4, wherein the pivot frame is attached to opposite ends of the coupler.

6. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a reflective material.

7. The fluid container of claim 6, wherein the reflective material is a mirror.

8. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein when the pivot frame is in a position parallel to the base and the applicator is in the reservoir, the handle is arranged to mate with the cavity.

9. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the pivot frame and handle comprise a fastener arranged to fasten the pivot frame to the handle.

10. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein when the pivot frame is not parallel to the base, the applicator is arranged to separate from the base.

11. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the base, coupler and applicator are threadless.

12. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the pivot frame comprises a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof.

13. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass and combinations thereof.

14. The fluid container of claim 1, comprising a fluid in the reservoir, wherein the fluid is selected from a group consisting of a cosmetic, paint, glue, slurry and mixtures thereof.

15. The fluid container of claim 1, comprising a fluid in the reservoir, wherein the fluid is selected from a group consisting of lipstick, lip gloss, chapstick, mascara, concealer, foundation, hair dye and nail polish.

16. A fluid container comprising:

a base comprising a plurality of reservoirs;

a plurality of applicators, each of the applicators comprising a handle; and a plurality of pivot frames, each of the pivot frames comprising a cavity arranged to mate with the handle of a respective one of the applicators.

17. The fluid container of claim 16, wherein each cavity comprises a mirror.

18. The fluid container of claim 16, wherein each of the reservoirs is arranged to store a corresponding one of the applicators.

19. A fluid container comprising:

a base comprising a reservoir;

an applicator comprising a handle; and

a pivot frame arranged to rotate 360 degrees and to cover an outer circumferential edge of the fluid container.

20. A method of using the fluid container of claims 1, 16 or 19, the method comprising: detaching a pivot frame from a handle;

removing an applicator from a reservoir; and

using the applicator to apply a cosmetic.