WO1996019131A1

WO1996019131A1 - Compacts

Info

Publication number: WO1996019131A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/003023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reginald William Breese
Original assignee: Toly Products (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 1994-12-22
Filing date: 1995-12-22
Publication date: 1996-06-27
Also published as: AU4309696A

Abstract

A thin-walled godet (10, 15, 20, 21) to contain pressure-compacted cosmetic product (12) as a snap-fit in a recess (6) in a cosmetic compact base (2), the base having at least one resilient member (8) to engage an indentation or groove (13, 19, 22) in the godet side wall (11, 16, 23); the or each indentation or groove being deeper that the side wall thickness to ensure a dependable snap-fit for such a thin walled component; the godet may be of metal or of engineering plastic; in a modification complementary features (24, 26) are provided in the godet and the base to prevent relative rotation of circular godets.

Description

COMPACTS

This invention relates to cosmetic compacts and it particularly, but not exclusively, relates to such compacts having replaceable godets.

Godets are herein defined as thin-walled, open containers for cosmetic product, such as face powder, that is compacted under high pressure into the godet; the pressure of compaction consolidating the cosmetic product and retaining it in the godet. Such godets are not to be confused with thicker-walled trays for other cosmetic product which are, for example, filled with a liquid cosmetic product that subsequently solidifies. Godets have to be of much stronger construction and/or material to withstand filling pressures than cosmetic trays and, at the same time, have to have walls of minimum thickness to minimise the aesthetic effect of the godet. Overall design and appearance of a cosmetic compact is extremely important and the rim of a godet, that must be visible, is generally regarded as being unsightly and has to be kept as inconspicuous as possible. Godets are traditionally made of metal, such as aluminium alloy or tin-plated steel; whilst cosmetic trays are commonly plastics mouldings.

The fitting of a godet into a cosmetic compact depends upon whether or not the godet is to be replaceable. Permanent fitting can be by way of bonding a godet into a compact base, replaceable fitting is either by way of a permanently tacky adhesive, or by incorporating magnetic tape in the compact base and using a ferromagnetic godet, or by bonding a godet into a shoe of moulded plastics moulding and snap-fitting the shoe and godet into the compact base. The latter two fittings are expensive. Snap-fitting, by way of co-operating resilient parts and complimentary shapes on thick-walled, moulded plastic cosmetic trays and compact bases are known and disclosed in Patent Specifications Nos GB 2156784 A; EP 0 519 482 Al; EP 0 587 252 Al; EP 0 607 973 Al , EP 0 614 628 Al; US 4483355; US 4 538 725; US 4595028; US 4 863 034; US 5092354; US 5 199 451; and US 5 320 116.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a thin-walled godet for a cosmetic compact that is a direct snap-fit in the compact base.

According to the present invention, a cosmetic compact includes a base and a tray, for cosmetic product, shaped to fit within a recess in the compact base, the compact base including at least one resilient member projecting into the recess and the tray having at least one indentation in a side wall thereof to co-operate with the or a respective resilient member; wherein the tray is a thin-walled godet to contain pressure-compacted cosmetic product and the godet has at least one side wall indentation that is deeper than the side wall thickness; whereby the godet may be retained in the compact base by direct snap-fit engagement between the resilient member and the godet side wall indentation.

Thus a cosmetic compact in accordance with the present invention eliminates at least one component and/or process step; be it bonding, "tacky" adhesive, magnetic tape, snap-in shoe. The saving on production runs of a million or more compacts are considerable. It is acknowledged above that snap- fit is known for godet shoes or cosmetic product trays, but the applicants are unaware of a direct snap-fit replaceable godet. Indeed, it is surprising that satisfactory snap-fit engagement and release of such a thin-walled component can be obtained.

The above-defined indentation or groove enables a satisfactory snap-fit engagement to be obtained without having too great an inwards force by the resilient member on the godet side wall; which force might distort or damage the side wall, preventing it from being readily removed. None of the above prior art references discloses a thin-walled godet as herein before defined. Where a reference discloses a recess in a cosmetic tray or godet shoe it is contained within the depth of the tray or shoe side wall and is thus a thick-walled tray or shoe not a thin-walled godet.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the godet is provided with a continuous circumferential groove in the side wall, to register with the or each resilient member in the compact base.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the godet is provided with one or more discrete indentations in the side wall, to register with the or a respective one of the resilient members in the compact base.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the godet is a metal pressing with the groove or indentations formed in the side wall.

According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, the godet is a thin-walled moulding of engineering plastics with the groove or indentations moulded in the side wall.

It has been found that, surprisingly, it is possible to fill a thin-walled engineering plastic godet in accordance with the present invention by high pressure compaction of cosmetic product. This is contrary to accepted practice in the industry; previous proposals for plastic thin-walled godets having failed during filling.

One problem which may occur with a circular godet in accordance with the present invention is that the direct snap- fit engagement between the resilient member and the godet side wall indentation or groove may not prevent relative rotation between the godet and the base. Typically, a user will rotate a cosmetics applicator, such as a powder puff, against the cosmetic product to transfer product to the applicator; imparting a rotational force to the godet, which may spin in the base.

It is an object of a modification of the present invention to prevent, or at least limit, such godet rotation.

According to a modification of the present invention, complimentary features are provided on the godet and in the compact recess which, on relative rotation between the godet and base, can intercept one another to prevent further rotation.

In a preferred modification of the present invention, the bottom of the godet is formed at one or more discrete indentations to register with one or more resilient members provided in the bottom of the compact recess.

In a further modification of the present invention, the or each godet discrete formation is an indentation in the godet bottom which does not extend downwards therefrom and the or each compact recess resilient member normally stands proud of the recess bottom but is capable in use of being resiliently forced downwards into the compact base flush with the recess bottom.

The above and other features of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example, in the Drawings, wherein:-

Fig.l is an exploded, perspective view of a cosmetic compact and replaceable godet in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.2 is a side elevation of the godet of Fig.l;

Fig.3 is a part plan of the godet of Fig.l; Fig.4 is a detail showing the snap-fit engagement between the compact base and godet of Fig.l; Figs 5 and 6 are, respectively, a side elevation and a plan of a second embodiment of a godet; Fig.7 is a detail showing the snap-fit engagement between the compact base and the godet of Figs 5 and 6; Figs 8 and 9 are, respectively, a side elevation and a plan of a third embodiment of a godet; Figs 10 and 11 are, respectively, a side elevation and a plan of a fourth embodiment of a godet; Fig.12 is an exploded, perspective view of a cosmetic compact and replaceable godet in accordance with a modification of the embodiments of Figs 1 to 7; and, Fig.13 is a side elevation of part of the godet of Fig.12.

As shown by Figs 1 to 4, a cosmetic compact 1 generally consists of a base 2 to which is hinged a lid 3 held closed by a catch 4 mechanism; typically the lid has an internal mirror 5. The base, lid and catch mechanism are all plastics mouldings. The base 2 has a central recess 6 with a surrounding wall 7. A pair of diametrically opposite, resilient tangs 8 are integrally formed in the recess wall 7 (only one tang 8 is visible in Fig.l). As is most clearly shown in Fig.4, each tang has a nose 9 that projects into the recess 6; for example by 0.69 mm into a 59.40 mm diameter recess.

A godet 10 is shown by Figs 2 and 3 and, in the example, is a thin-walled, circular, shallow metal dish pressed, for example from an aluminium alloy having a nominal thickness of 0.30 mm. The godet has an upstanding peripheral side wall 11 and is filled with a pressure-compacted cosmetic product, such as face powder 12. The godet 10 fits the compact base recess 6. The godet side wall is undercut at 13 by, for example, rolling a 90^° included angle, 0.70 mm deep, continuous circumferential groove in the outside of the wall of a 58.92 mm external diameter godet; the depth of the groove being greater than the thickness of the side wall. In an alternative godet pressed from tin-plated mild steel having a nominal thickness of 0.30 mm and with an external diameter of 58.78 mm, the side wall had a 90° included angle, 0.63 mm deep groove.

As a filled godet 10 is pushed into the compact base recess 6, each tang 8 will be forced radially outwardly until the godet groove 13 is in vertical register with a tang nose 9, the tang will then spring radially inwardly so that the nose engages the groove to retain the godet in the compact as a snap fit. The circumferential groove 13 means that the godet does not have to angularly orientated when fitted into the compact base 2. The dimensions of the recess 6, tang nose 9, godet 10 and groove 13 are critical in that a satisfactory, snap-fit engagement has to be provided with an exceedingly thin-walled godet. The inwards force generated by each tang on the godet side wall must not be too great as the side wall is easily damaged or distorted; godets are only intended to resist radially outwardly directed forces generated during pressure filling and thus a relatively large nose and relatively deep groove have been found necessary; the groove has to be deeper than the thickness of the godet side wall.

A pin hole 14 is provided in the bottom of the base recess 6, a godet 10 can thereby be extracted by inserting a suitable pin-like implement through the hole to push the godet out of the compact. The only change needed for a permanently fitted would be to omit the pin hole.

Figs 5, 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative godet 15 that is a thin-walled, circular, shallow dish moulded from an engineering plastics material, such as SAN (styrene acrylo nitride). The godet has an upstanding peripheral side wall 16, a bottom 17 and circular ribs 18 depending from the godet bottom 17. A continuous, circumferential, outer groove 19 is moulded in the side wall level with the godet bottom 17 and where the side wall is locally thickened. For a 59.00 mm external diameter godet, the side wall thickness is 0.50 mm and the 90^° included angle groove is 0.84 mm deep.

Figs 8 and 9 and Figs 10 and 11 illustrate alternate shapes of godet, a semi-circular godet 20 and a rectangular godet 21 respectively. In each case, the godet is of metal and is provided with discrete indentations 22 struck into and deeper than the side walls 23. In each case, a compact base (not shown) has a recess shaped to match the godet and has snap-fit tangs positioned to register with the indentations; the shape of the godet ensures correct angular orientation with respect to the compact base for the tangs to engage the indentations.

In the first and second embodiments described in Figs 1 to 7 there is nothing, save for frictional forces between the tangs 8 and the godet groove 13, 19, to prevent the circular godet 10 from rotating or spinning in the compact base 2.

In a modification to the present invention shown in Figs 12 and 13, wherein like parts have retained the same references, the godet 10 is provided with four, regularly disposed, indentations or dimples 24 struck or otherwise formed in the godet bottom 25 to project up into the godet. A resilient finger 26 is integrally formed in the base 27 of the compact recess 6. The relative positions of the godet indentations 24 and the resilient finger 26 are such that, once a filled godet 10 has been pushed into the compact base recess 6, with each tang 8 engaging the godet groove 13 to retain the godet in the compact as a snap fit, rotation of the godet in the base recess through no more than 90° will allow the resilient finger 26 to engage one of the indentations 24 and prevent further rotation (see Fig. 13).

The resilient finger 26 normally stands proud of the base recess bottom 27 but it can be resiliently forced downwards to be flush with the bottom 27. Equally, the godet indentations 24 do not extend beyond the godet bottom 25. Both these features are designed not to interfere with fitting the godet into the base recess; there is no need to angularly orientate the godet with respect to the base when fitting the godet. Subsequent, initial use of the compact will rotate the godet 10 in the compact base 2 sufficiently for resilient finger 26 to engage one of the anti-rotation godet indentations 24.

Clearly, a godet need not be limited to any particular shape; provided that it presents a side wall in which an indentation deeper than the side wall can be formed and which can register with a tang in cosmetic compact base recess.

Plastics godets of any shape can be provided with discrete side wall indentations or continuous side wall grooves deeper than the side wall for snap-fit retention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

A cosmetic compact (1) including a base (2) and a tray (10), for cosmetic product (12), shaped to fit within a recess (6) in the compact base, the compact base including at least one resilient member (8) projecting into the recess and the tray having at least one indentation (13) in a side wall (11) thereof to co-operate with the or a respective resilient member; characterised in that the tray is a thin-walled godet (10, 15, 20, 21) to contain pressure-compacted cosmetic product (12) and the godet has at least one side wall indentation (13, 19, 22) that is deeper than the side wall (11, 16, 23) thickness; whereby the godet may be retained in the compact base by direct snap-fit engagement between the resilient member and the godet side wall indentation.

A compact as claimed in claim 1 and characterised further in that the godet (10, 15) is provided with a continuous circumferential groove (13, 19) in the side wall (11, 16), to register with the or each resilient member (8) in the compact recess (6).

A compact as claimed in claim 1 and characterised further in that the godet (20, 21) is provided with one or more discrete indentations (22) in the side wall (23), to register with the or a respective one of the resilient members (8) in the compact base (6).

A compact as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 and characterised further in that the godet is a metal pressing (10, 20, 21) with the groove (13) or indentations (22) formed in the side wall (11, 23). 5. A compact as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 and characterised further in that the godet is a thin- walled moulding (15) of engineering plastics with the groove (19) or indentations moulded in the side wall (16).

6. A compact as claimed in claim 5 and characterised further in that the engineering plastics is styrene acrylo nitride.

7. A compact as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 and characterised further in that complimentary features (24, 26) are provided on the godet (10) and in the compact recess (6) which godet and base features, on relative rotation in use between the godet and base (2), can intercept one another to prevent further rotation.

8. A compact as claimed in claim 7 and characterised further in that the bottom (25) of the godet is formed at one or more discrete positions (24) to register in use with one or more resilient members (26) provided in the bottom (27) of the compact recess (6) .

9. A compact as claimed in claim 8 and characterised further in that the or each godet discrete formation is an indentation (24) in the godet bottom (25) which does not extend downwards therefrom and the or each compact recess resilient member (26) normally stands proud of the recess bottom (27) but is capable in use of being resiliently forced downwards into the compact base flush with the recess bottom.

10. A cosmetic product tray for a cosmetic compact (1) having a base (2), a recess (6) in the base shaped to fit the tray and at least one resilient member (8) projecting into the recess, the tray having at least one indentation (13, 19, 22) in a side wall (11, 16, 23) thereof to co-operate with the or a respective resilient member and characterised in that the tray is a thin-walled godet (10, 15, 20, 21) to contain pressure-compacted cosmetic product (12) and the godet has at least one side wall indentation (13, 19, 22) that is deeper than the side wall thickness (11, 16, 23); whereby in use the godet may be retained in the compact base by direct snap-fit engagement between the resilient member and the godet side wall indentation.

11. A godet claimed in claim 10 and characterised further in that the godet (10, 15) is provided with a continuous circumferential groove (13, 19) in the side wall (11, 16), to register in use with the or each resilient member (8) in the compact base (2).

12. A godet as claimed in claim 10 and characterised further in that the godet (20, 21) is provided with one or more discrete indentations (22) in the side wall (23), to register in use with the or a respective one of the resilient members (8) in the compact base (2) .

13. A godet as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 and characterised further in that the godet is a metal pressing (10, 20, 21) with the groove (13) or indentation (22) formed in the side wall (11, 23).

14. A godet as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 and characterised further in that the godet (15) is a thin-walled moulding of engineering plastics with the groove (19) or indentations moulded in the side wall (16). 15. A godet as claimed in claim 14 and characterised further in that the engineering plastics is styrene acrylo nitride.

16. A godet as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 and characterised further in that the godet is a thin- walled, circular, shallow dish (15) moulded with an upstanding peripheral side wall (16), a bottom (17), circular ribs (18) depending from the godet bottom and a continuous, circumferential, outer groove (19) in the side wall level with the godet bottom, with the side wall locally thickened.

17. A godet as claimed in any of claims 10 to 16 and for a cosmetic compact (l) having a base (2) and shaped and arranged to directly snap-fit within a recess (6) in the compact base and characterised further in that the godet (10) has a one or more features (24) to co-operate with at least one complimentary feature (26) in the compact recess (6) which godet and base features, on relative rotation in use between the godet and base, can intercept one another to prevent further rotation.

8 A godet as claimed in claim 17 and characterised further in that the bottom (25) of the godet (10) is formed at one or more discrete positions (24), to register in use with one or more resilient members (26) provided in the bottom of the compact recess (6).

9 A godet as claimed in claim 17 and characterised further in that the or each godet discrete formation is an indentation (24) in the godet bottom (25) which does not extend downwards therefrom.