FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a make-up article.
[0002] More specifically, it relates to a make-up article, such as foundation, eye shadow,
blusher, highlighter, face powder, lipstick, bronzer, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, and
mascara.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Commonly known make-up articles have a decidedly attractive appearance. However,
part of the aesthetics of a make-up product originates from its packaging, which is
often very sumptuous and elaborate.
[0004] The disadvantage is that, at present, almost all cosmetic product packaging is made
of plastic, which, as is known, is an enemy of the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a make-up article which is an improvement
on the prior art.
[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a make-up article that is more environmentally
friendly than conventional ones.
[0007] This and other objects are achieved by means of a make-up article produced according
to the technical teachings of the claims annexed hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer in the
description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the device, illustrated
- by way of a non-limiting example - in the drawings annexed hereto, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a primary container for the make-up article, according
to the present invention;
Figure 1A is a partial section of the container in Figure 1.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an article according to the
present invention, in a disassembled configuration;
Figure 2B is a perspective view of the article in Figure 2A when partially assembled,
before the closure thereof.
Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3B is a perspective view of the article in Figure 3A when partially assembled,
before the closure thereof;
Figure 4A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, in the use
configuration;
Figure 4B is a perspective view of the article in Figure 4A in a partially open configuration;
Figure 4C is a partial section view of the article in Figure 4A in the closed position;
Figure 5A is a partially exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5B shows the article in Figure 5A in a use configuration;
Figure 6 shows, in a perspective view, a fifth embodiment of the primary container
for the make-up article, according to the present invention;
Figure 6A is a partial section view of the container in Figure 6;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of an article according to
the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the primary container for
the make-up article, according to the present invention;
Figure 9A is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of an article according to
the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;
Figure 9B is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of an article according to
the present invention, in the use configuration;
Figures 10 to 12 and Figure 14 show, in a perspective view, further embodiments of
the primary container for the makeup article, according to the present invention;
Figures 13A and 13B show a front and perspective view of the primary containers in
Figures 10 or 11 coupled to the respective secondary container; and
Figures 15A and 15B show a front and perspective view of the primary containers in
Figure 14 coupled to the respective secondary container;
Figures 16A, 16B, 17A and 17B show possible variants of the primary container in Figure
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] With reference to the figures stated, reference number 1 is used to denote, as a
whole, a make-up article.
[0010] The make-up article 1 comprises a primary terracotta container 2, which directly
supports at least one make-up product 3.
[0011] From a plan view, the area of the primary terracotta container 2 is greater than
the area of the makeup product 3.
[0012] More specifically, the primary terracotta container 2 has a greater footprint, seen
from above, than the make-up product 3.
[0013] In practice, when seen from a top-down plan view, the primary container has greater
dimensions than the cosmetic product placed directly thereupon.
[0014] In other words, the primary container 2 extends beyond the perimeter of the make-up
product (in the plan view).
[0015] Furthermore, from a plan view, the external perimeter of the primary container is
greater and is located outside the perimeter (also from a plan view) of the make-up
article.
[0016] In this way, the primary container can be handled easily by a user, who can hold
it directly without the risk of touching the make-up product.
[0017] This is possible, for example, by sandwiching the primary container between two fingers
(typically the thumb and index finger) which are placed as follows: one on the surface
of the primary container in which the make-up product is housed (in the part where
the make-up product is not present) and the other on the opposite surface.
[0018] Preferably the make-up product 3 is a cosmetic paste which is poured or placed (depending
on the density thereof) directly onto the primary terracotta container 2 while still
wet.
[0019] In this document, the term 'still wet' means the amount of solvent (which may be
for example water, isododecane, alcohol, etc.) present in the cosmetic paste forms
a weight percentage of between 10% and 80%, preferably 50%.
[0020] Advantageously, the cosmetic paste is obtained by extrusion, dispensing, or injection.
[0021] The paste can be obtained by mixing at least fats for cosmetic use (for example emulsified
fats), powder dyes, and at least one solvent for cosmetic use.
[0022] Preparation of the paste can include the following steps:
- a) preparing components in two different phases, referred to herein as "powder dyes"
and "fat emulsion";
- b) mixing the said components;
- c) extruding/dispensing/injecting the paste obtained;
[0023] The "fat emulsion" according to the present invention can be obtained by treating
fats for cosmetic use with at least one solvent, for example water or a solvent suitable
for cosmetic use, including mixtures thereof; the essential characteristic of the
solvent used is that it can be eliminated by drying, after extrusion/dispensing/injection,
at temperatures that do not alter the end product, advantageously at temperatures
not exceeding 60 °C.
[0024] The solvent can be neutral or coloured, the latter case either as a result of specific
properties thereof of due to the addition of dyes.
[0025] According to the present invention, the expression "fats for cosmetic use" means
any fatty material suitable for the preparation of cosmetics, such as esters of fatty
acids, triglycerides, waxes, fruit and seed oil derivatives and extracts, etc.
[0026] The fats for cosmetic use which are useful according to the invention include, for
example, sorbitan stearate, isopropyl stearate, caprylic capric triglycerides, dipentacrythrityl
hexahydroxystearate/rosinate, stearate (sold under the trade name Cosmol 168AR), magnesium
myristate and oil, silicones, etc.
[0027] According to the present invention, the expression "powder dyes" means any powder,
or mixture of powders, containing dyeing pigments suitable for cosmetic use.
[0028] Suitable powder dyes include, for example, those obtained by synthesis and/or natural
pigments, which may be opaque or pearlescent, with inert powders used as diluents,
such as mica or talc, mixed in variable proportions depending on the powder effect
and desired dyeing power.
[0029] The dyes (or pearlescent substances) which can be used include the following substances
(either alone or in combination):
TiO2 (Cl 77891) + mica (Cl 77019)
bismuth oxychloride Cl 77163
mica Cl 77019
copper and bronze powder Cl 7740
iron oxide Cl 77491-2-9
ultramarine blue Cl 77007
manganese violet Cl 77.742
chromium oxide hydrate of Cl 77289
anhydrous chromium oxide Cl 77288
ferric ferrocyanide Cl 77510
titanium dioxide Cl 77891
D & C red n. 7 lake Ca Cl 15850: 1
D & C red n. 19 Al lake Cl 45170: 3
D & C red n. 6 Ba lake Cl 15850: 2
D & C red n. 3 Al lake Cl 45430: 1
D & C red n. 9 Ba lake Cl 15585: 1
D & C red n. 21 Al lake Cl 45380: 3
D & C red n. 22 Al lake Cl 45380
D & C red n. 28 Al lake Cl 45410
D & C yellow n. 5 Al lake Cl 19140: 1
D & C red n.30 Al lake Cl 73360
D & C red n.27 Al lake Cl 45410: 2
D & C yellow n. 5 Al lake Cl 19140: 1
D & C orange 5 Cl 45370: 1
FD & C yellow n. 6 Al lake Cl 15985: 1
FD & C blu n. 1 Al lake Cl 42090: 2
D & C red n. 36 Cl 12085
Carmine Cl 75470
[0030] Obviously, the paste to be extruded/dispensed/injected can be obtained, for example,
either by mixing in each individual component, one after the other, using a mixer,
or by first preparing the components in two different phases, namely the "fat emulsion"
and the "powder dyes", and then mixing them together.
[0031] The proportions of the individual components may vary considerably depending on the
type of product required.
[0032] The "fat emulsion" and the "powder dyes" are preferably mixed in different ratios.
[0033] The extrusion/dispensing/injection can be performed by processing the (neutral or
coloured) paste obtained in step (b) with a normal extruder/dispenser/injector to
obtain a still wet product of the desired shape but, preferably, with a liquid consistency
which therefore renders it highly malleable and pourable.
[0034] The semi-finished product produced following the steps described above is subsequently
dried. In particular, the drying step is carried out by placing the cosmetic paste
and the primary container in the oven at a temperature of between 30 and 65 °C and
for a time between 6 and 24 hours.
[0035] In any case, regardless of the drying technique utilised, it is advantageous for
the drying step to continue until the solvent contained in the semi-finished product
(i.e. the solvent present in the base paste, preferably water) reaches a residual
amount of below 1.5 wt%.
[0036] In this way the cosmetic paste "solidifies", losing moisture, and forms the make-up
product.
[0037] The drying step may result in the formation of a light surface crust on the make-up
product, which can be removed mechanically using standard techniques.
[0038] It should be stressed that the cosmetic paste is placed directly into the primary
container 2, without the interposition of any base, cloth, or other intermediate material.
[0039] Therefore, the cosmetic paste (which will become the make-up product 3 once dry)
is in direct contact with the primary container.
[0040] Advantageously, the intrinsic 'porosity' of the terracotta allows the cosmetic product
to bind to the primary container in a very stable manner.
[0041] Furthermore, the fact that the primary container is made of terracotta (which is
a porous material) is very important. In practice, during the drying step, the porosity
of the said terracotta ensures optimal evaporation of the solvent present in the cosmetic
paste, even close to the interface between the makeup product and the primary container
2, thereby resulting in homogeneous evaporation of the solvent in any area of the
make-up product 3.
[0042] According to the present invention, the make-up product 3 may simply be placed on
top of the primary container, or be partially contained within the primary container,
which may have a cavity 8 in which the make-up product 3 is at least partially housed.
[0043] Advantageously, the perimeter of the cavity 8 can have any form, such as that shown
in Figure 1, which has a circular, square, rectangular, star, heart-shaped footprint
etc.
[0044] If the primary container 2 has a cavity 8, 8A, the make-up product 3 may be something
other than a dried paste, for example, a powder pressed in a conventional way directly
into the cavity of the primary container. And therefore, even in this case, the make-up
product is in direct contact with the primary container.
[0045] In one configuration of the present invention, the make-up article may comprise a
secondary container 4 made of cardboard.
[0046] In this document, the term 'cardboard' refers to any material akin to or derived
from paper which is thick enough to form a pack with the desired features, such as
cardboard proper, paper pulp or cellulose-based materials (e.g. Caudex), etc. These
materials may be completely natural, or appropriately treated to take on particular
physical characteristics (such as resistance to humidity, etc.) or they can be decorated
and coloured in any way. Advantageously, the cardboard used in the present cosmetic
article is 100% recyclable.
[0047] The secondary container 4 is configured to protect the make-up product 3 and has
at least one part thereof in direct contact with the terracotta primary container
2 when, at least, the secondary container 4 is coupled to the primary container 2.
[0048] The secondary container 4 may comprise a first flap 6A and a second flap 6B, which
may be folded.
[0049] As shown in Figure 2A, the secondary container 4 may comprise a box element 5 made
by folding and gluing the cardboard.
[0050] The box element may have an internal volume corresponding in shape and size to that
of the primary container 2.
[0051] The box element 5 may comprise at least a first wall 5A, a second wall 5B, a third
wall 5C, and a fourth wall 5D.
[0052] The first fin 6A and the second fin 6B may be made integrally with the box element
5, and configured to define a fifth wall, which may be opened, of the box element
5.
[0053] Optionally, the box element may feature a sixth wall 20 which is open. In this way,
when the primary container 2 is housed in the box element 5, a wall of the primary
container is visible through the open wall 20.
[0054] Alternatively, the box element may have a sixth wall 20, which is closed and is also
formed from a folded part of the cardboard (flap) of which the box element is formed.
[0055] In the previous embodiment, as in some of the others which follow, the primary container
2 has a parallelepiped shape. The cavity 8 is not a through cavity.
[0056] Obviously, however, the primary container may be any shape. For example, it may be
disk-shaped or similar.
[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in addition to the box element 5, the
secondary container 4 comprises a shaped element 7A which is permanently fixed to
the primary container 2. The first flap 6A and the second flap 6B are made integrally
with the shaped element 7A, 7B.
[0058] The shaped element 7A is made from a single piece of cardboard (preferably of the
same type as the box element) and comprises a wall 6C which is fixed (for example
by means of glue C) to the lower side (i.e. the side opposite where the makeup product
is positioned) of the primary container 2.
[0059] Therefore, the primary container 2 (together with the shaped element 7A) is housed
in the box element 5 in a slidable fashion.
[0060] The wall 6C may have a configuration corresponding (in a plan view) to the primary
container and the first fin 6A and the second fin 6B may protrude therefrom as part
thereof.
[0061] The first flap and the second flap may be folded to form a wall of the box element
(when the primary container 2 is completely housed within the box element 5); in the
open configuration, the first flap and the second flap also act as a grip (like a
tab) to facilitate extraction of the primary container from the box element 5.
[0062] A possible variant of the invention in Figures 3A and 3B is shown in Figures 5A and
5B.
[0063] Here, the shaped element 7A includes a folded stop 6F fixed (for example again with
glue) to the primary container 2.
[0064] For example, a further first wall 6D and the stop 6F (which in practice covers a
wall or edge of the primary container 2) may protrude from the part 6C (as a single
piece).
[0065] When the primary container 2 is partially extracted from the box element 5, the stop
6F comes into contact with a corresponding counter-stop 5F on the box element 5, which
limits how far the primary container 2 slides within the box element 5.
[0066] The counter-stop 5F may be made by folding and gluing (towards the inside of the
box element) a flap made integrally with the said box element 5 (for example, protruding
from the upper wall 5C.
[0067] A simplified embodiment of the secondary container 4 is shown in Figures 4A, 4B,
and 4C.
[0068] As previously, the shaped element 7B comprises a first part 6C, which is at least
partially fixed to the primary container 2, and a lid 6E hinged 6D to the first part
6C, the first flap 6A and the second flap 6B extending from the said lid 6E.
[0069] Advantageously, the hinging between the first part 6C and the lid 6E is located at
a folded portion 6D of the first part 6C, near the primary container 2. It is possible
that the folded portion 6D is glued (or fixed in another way) to the primary container.
[0070] Figure 4C shows, as a detail, how the secondary container 4 in this configuration
may be easily closed to protect (through the lid 6E) the make-up product 3.
[0071] More specifically, in the closed configuration, one end of the second flap 6B is
wedged between the bottom of the primary container and a free edge of the first part
6C of the secondary container 4. It should be remembered that the first part 6C is
fixed to the primary container 2, and exploits the flexibility of the free end thereof
to keep the second fin 6B fastened.
[0072] Figures 6 and 7 show an improved embodiment of the configuration in Figure 2A.
[0073] In this case, the secondary terracotta container is shaped in such a way as to also
feature a stop (in practice a step 2A), which comes into contact with a part 5F of
the box element 5 to limit the sliding of the primary container with respect to the
box element 5 (and therefore prevent total extraction of the primary container 2).
[0074] A closure wall 6G may also be featured.
[0075] Figures 8, 9A and 9B show an alternative positioning of the step 2B, on the sides
of the primary container 2, also housed in the box element 5 in a slidable manner.
[0076] In this case, the stop 5F on the box element may be configured to cooperate with
the step 2B.
[0077] In Figures 10 to 15B, the primary container 2 is a solid of rotation, and the secondary
container 4 has a tubular conformation, with a first end 10 open and a second end
9 closed.
[0078] In the closed configuration (as shown in Figures 13A and 13B), the secondary container
4 is fitted onto the primary container.
[0079] The primary container 2 may have a cavity 8 in which the make-up product 3 is positioned,
which may also have a dome configuration, as shown in Figure 10, on the righthand
side. The cavity or the make-up product are positioned within a substantially flat
surface of the primary container.
[0080] The external shape of the primary container 2 (on the lateral surface) may feature
depressions 30 provided for aesthetic purposes, or may be simply cylindrical, as in
Figure 11 (elongated cylinder) or as in Figure 12 (more squat cylinder).
[0081] Figure 14 shows a still further different configuration of the primary container
2, which features a stop 2C - on the lateral surface thereof, which comes into contact
with a free edge of the secondary container 4, which also has a cylindrical conformation,
when the secondary container 4 is fitted onto the primary container (Figures 15A and
15B).
[0082] In Figure 14, one can also see the cavity 8 produced in a flat surface of the primary
container 2. Obviously, the conformation of the make-up product 3 can be rounded as
in the cases described earlier.
[0083] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the primary container 2 may have a surface decoration
formed of recesses 2B and ridges 2C. In fact, the recesses may simply be grooves 2B
made in the flat surface 2C of the primary container. From this point of view, the
ridges correspond to the flat non-etched surface (or rather, with grooves).
[0084] In the aforesaid figure, the decoration is a design featuring the sun's rays. This
way, the surface decoration (like an etching) on the primary container integrates
with the make-up product 3 present, providing a aesthetically pleasing effect (in
this case a sun design consisting of the cosmetic product with 'rays' extending outwards
therefrom 'etched' into the terracotta).
[0085] The result is very pleasant from an aesthetic point of view.
[0086] Obviously, the surface decoration (in relief) of the primary container can be integrated
with a corresponding decoration, also formed of recesses and ridges (and therefore
by etching) in the cosmetic product 3.
[0087] Obviously the decoration of the terracotta or make-up product may be implemented
in all the embodiments already described and likewise those described hereafter.
[0088] In Figures 17A and 17B it can be seen that the primary container 2 has at least two
distinct cosmetic products 3, 3A on its surface, which are separated by at least one
part 2A of the primary container.
[0089] Optionally, each cosmetic product may be housed in its own cavity 8, 8A.
[0090] Obviously, the primary container may be housed in any secondary container of those
described above (suitably adapted to the shape of the primary container), or others
which may easily be derived by a person skilled in the art based on the present invention.
[0091] Various embodiments of the innovation have been described, but others may be conceived
using the same innovative concept.
[0092] All the materials used to implement the invention are environmentally sound and recyclable.
In fact, the terracotta used for the primary container is natural, while the cardboard
of which the secondary container 4 is made (whether it is made as a single piece or
in two pieces that cooperate with each other) is environmentally sound and entirely
recyclable.
[0093] The glue used (in some embodiments) to fix the primary container to the secondary
container may also be an environmentally sound glue.
[0094] Finally it must be again stressed, that in the described embodiments the primary
container can be entirely made of terracotta.
1. Make-up article (1) comprising a primary terracotta container (2) that directly supports
at least one makeup product (3), the area of the primary terracotta container (2),
seen in plan view, being greater than the area of the makeup product (3) seen in plan
view, so that the primary container can be easily handled by a user without touching
the makeup product.
2. The article according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary container (4) made
entirely of cardboard, the secondary container (4) being configured to protect the
makeup product (3) and presenting at least one part in direct contact with the primary
container in terracotta, at least when the secondary container (4) is coupled to the
primary container (2).
3. The article according to the preceding claim, wherein the secondary container (4)
comprises a first foldable flap (6A) and a second foldable flap (6B).
4. Make-up article according to the previous claim, wherein the secondary container (4)
comprises a box-shaped element (5) made by folding and gluing the cardboard, the box-shaped
element comprising at least a first (5A), a second (5B), a third (5C) and a fourth
wall (5D), and/or in which the first (6A) and the second flap (6B) are configured
to define a fifth openable wall of the box-shaped element (5).
5. An article according to the preceding claim, in which the first (6A) and the second
flap (6B) are made in one piece with the box-shaped element (5), and optionally a
further flap made in one piece with the box-shaped element is provided (5) which defines
a sixth wall (20) of the container.
6. The article according to claim 4, wherein the secondary container (4) comprises a
shaped element (7A, 7B) permanently fixed to the primary container (2), the first
(6A) and the second flap (6B) being made in one piece with the shaped element (7A,
7B).
7. The article according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the primary
container (2) is slidably housed in the box-shaped element (5) and the box- shaped
element comprises a retainer (6F) folded and fixed to the primary container (2) which
cooperates with a corresponding counter-stop (5F) of the box-shaped element (5), so
as to limit the sliding of the primary container (2) with respect to the box-shaped
element (5).
8. The article according to claim 3, wherein the shaped element (7B) comprises a first
part (6C) at least partially fixed to the primary container (2) and a cover (6E) hinged
(6C) to the first part (6C), the first (6A) and the second flap (6B) extending from
said cover (6E).
9. An article according to claim 5, wherein the primary container (2) is slidably housed
in the box-shaped element (5), and the primary container has at least one step (2A,
2B, 2C) made in one piece, which cooperates with a part of the box-shaped element
(5) to limit the sliding of the primary container with respect to the box-shaped element
(5).
10. The article according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the primary
container (2) is a rotating solid, and the secondary container (4) has a tubular conformation,
with a first end (10) open and a second end (9) closed.
11. The article according to claim 1, wherein the primary container (2) has a cavity (8)
in which the makeup product (3) is housed at least partially.
12. The article according to claim 1, wherein the primary container (2) has a surface
decoration made by means of recesses and crests, the surface decoration of the primary
container optionally integrating itself with a corresponding decoration made by means
of recesses and crests on the cosmetic product (3).
13. The article according to claim 1, wherein the primary container (2) has on its surface
at least two distinct cosmetic products (3, 3A), respectively separated by at least
a part (2A) of the primary container (2), each cosmetic product being optionally housed
in its own cavity (8, 8A).