[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,686, filed on 01 April 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[002] This disclosure relates to containers for holding makeup and, more particularly, to makeup compacts.

Background

[003] Currently makeup compacts are made from plastic, metal, or paper. These materials have different properties along the dimensions of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. Aesthetics is an important dimension for makeup products, given the nature of the beauty industry and the importance of marketing. Durability is important since makeup products are fragile and need to be protected by their packaging. Sustainability has become an increasingly important dimension based on the interest of the brands and the consumers’ interest in environmental protection.

Summary of Disclosure

[004] In one implementation, a makeup compact includes: a body portion including at least one makeup recess configured to receive one or more makeup containers; and a lid portion hingedly-attached to the body portion and configured to cover the at least one makeup recess when closed; wherein the makeup compact is constructed of silicone.

[005] One or more of the following features may be included. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via a friction fit. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via strip adhesive. The lid portion may include a mirror assembly positioned on an inside surface of the lid portion, The makeup compact may be constructed of translucent silicone. The makeup compact may be constructed of tinted silicone. The one or more makeup containers may include one or more makeup pans. The makeup compact may include a protective layer. The protective layer may include one or more of: a parylene layer; and an oxidation layer.

[006] In another implementation, a makeup compact includes: a body portion including at least one makeup recess configured to receive one or more makeup containers; and a lid portion hingedly-attached to the body portion and configured to cover the at least one makeup recess when closed; wherein the makeup compact is constructed of silicone; and wherein the makeup compact includes a protective layer.

[007] One or more of the following features may be included. The protective layer may include one or more of: parylene layer; and an oxidation layer. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via a friction fit. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via strip adhesive. The lid portion may include a mirror assembly positioned on an inside surface of the lid portion. The makeup compact may be constructed of translucent silicone. The makeup compact may be constructed of tinted silicone. The one or more makeup containers may include one or more makeup pans.

[008] In another implementation, a makeup compact includes: a body portion including at least one makeup recess configured to receive one or more makeup containers; and a lid portion hingedly-attached to the body portion and configured to cover the at least one makeup recess when closed; and a mirror assembly positioned on an inside surface of the lid portion; wherein the makeup compact is constructed of silicone.

[009] One or more of the following features may be included. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via a friction fit. The body portion may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers via strip adhesive. [0010] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIGS. 1-3 are isometric views of a silicone compact according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIGS. 4-5 are diagrammatic views of the silicone compact of FIGS. 1-3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10). As is known in the art, a makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) is a small, portable case used to hold and store makeup products, such as blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss and powder foundation. The makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) usually has a hinged lid that opens to reveal the makeup product and often includes a small mirror inside for easy application. The makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) is convenient for touch-ups on-the-go and come in various shapes, sizes, and designs.

[0015] Makeup compact 10 may include a body portion (e.g., body portion 12) including at least one makeup recess (e.g., makeup recess 14) configured to receive one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16). One example of these one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) may include but is not limited to one or more makeup pans configured to hold makeup (e.g., makeup 18). Examples of makeup 18 may include but are not limited to blush, eyeshadow, and powder foundation. Depending upon how makeup compact 10 is configured, the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) may include multiple makeup recesses (e.g., makeup recesses 14A & 14B) that would enable the makeup compact 10 to contain a variety of different types of makeup.

[0016] As is known in the art, a makeup pan is a small, flat, container typically made of metal or plastic that holds a makeup product such as powder, blush, or eyeshadow. The makeup pan is often found in a refillable makeup palette, where multiple pans can be stored together for convenient and organized makeup application. Makeup pans come in various sizes and can be easily removed from the palette for replacement or to mix and match with other colors.

[0017] The body portion (e.g., body portion 12) may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) via a friction fit. For example, the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) and/or the at least one makeup recess (e.g., makeup recess 14) of makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) may be configured to be deformable / stretchable / manipulable so that the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) may be placed (and retained) within the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) of the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) until it is intentionally removed.

[0018] Additionally I alternatively, the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) via strip adhesive (e.g., adhesive strips 20). For example, a surface of the at least one makeup recess (e.g., makeup recess 14) of the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) may be configured to receive adhesive strips 20 (e.g., double-sided tape or Command ^tm strips) to affix the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) within the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) of the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10).

[0019] As is known in the art, a Command Strip is a brand of adhesive strip used for hanging items on walls without damaging the surface or leaving behind any residue. They are typically made of a foam-like material with a strong adhesive backing and come in various sizes and weight capacities. Command ^tm Strips are commonly used to hang picture frames, posters, and other decorative items. They work by sticking the adhesive strip to the back of the item to be hung and then pressing it firmly against the wall. The strips can be easily removed by pulling down on them, which causes them to release from the wall without damaging the surface.

[0020] Additionally / alternatively, the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) may be configured to retain the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) via a gluing operation in which a glue (e.g., hot glue, spray adhesive, etc.) is used to affix the one or more makeup containers (e.g., makeup container 16) within the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) of the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10).

[0021] Makeup compact 10 may include a lid portion (e.g., lid portion 22) hingedly-attached (e.g., via hinge assembly 24) to the body portion (e.g., body portion 12) and configured to cover the at least one makeup recess (e.g., makeup recess 14) when the lid portion (e.g., lid portion 22) is moved (as represented via arrow 26) into the closed position. The lid portion (e.g., lid portion 22) may include a mirror assembly (e.g., mirror assembly 28) affixed to / positioned upon an inside surface (e.g., inside surface 30) of the lid portion (e.g., lid portion 22). Mirror assembly 28 may be affixed to / positioned upon inside surface 30 of lid portion 22 via adhesive strips 32 (e.g., double-sided tape or a Command ^tm strip)

[0022] Makeup compact 10 may be constructed of silicone. For example, the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) may be constructed of translucent silicone to e.g., allow a user to see the color / type of makeup contained therein. Additionally / alternatively, the makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) may be constructed of tinted silicone to match the various preferences / aesthetics of the user.

[0023] As is known in the art, silicone is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. It is a rubber-like, flexible, and durable material that is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals. Silicone has a wide range of applications and is used in various industries, including medical, automotive, electronics, and cosmetics. Tn cosmetics, silicone is commonly used as a smoothing agent in skincare and makeup products. It helps to improve the texture of the product, making it easier to apply, and can also help to fill in fine lines and pores, creating a smooth and even appearance. Additionally, silicone is used in some hair care products to provide conditioning and shine to the hair.

[0024] The makeup compact (e.g., makeup compact 10) may include a protective layer (e.g., protective layer 34). One example of such a protective layer (e.g., protective layer 34) is a parylene layer.

[0025] As is known in the art, parylene is a type of conformal coating material that is used to protect electronic components and devices from environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. It is a thin, transparent polymer film that is deposited onto the surface of a substrate in a vacuum chamber through a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

[0026] Parylene is highly resistant to moisture, chemicals, and solvents, and it has excellent electrical insulation properties. It is also biocompatible, making it suitable for medical and biomedical applications such as coating implantable medical devices. Parylene coatings are typically used in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, and electronics.

[0027] Parylene coatings have several advantages over other conformal coating materials such as silicone, epoxy, and urethane. For example, parylene is a dry process, which means it does not contain solvents that can damage sensitive components. It also has a very low coefficient of friction, which makes it suitable for applications where components need to slide or move against each other. Finally, parylene is a conformal coating, which means it can conform to the shape of irregularly shaped components and provide complete coverage.

[0028] Another example of such a protective layer (e.g., protective layer 34) is an oxidation layer. As is known in the art, silicones are synthetic polymers composed of repeating units of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. Due to the stable and inert nature of the silicon-oxygen (Si-O) bond, silicones are generally resistant to oxidation. However, in some cases, silicone can be oxidized under certain conditions.

[0029] One way to oxidize silicone is to expose it to a strong oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone (O3), or nitric acid (HNO3). This can cause the Si-0 bond to break and form silicon-oxygen radicals, which can further react with oxygen to form silicon dioxide (SiOz) and other by-products. Another method to oxidize silicone is through plasma treatment. In this process, a low-pressure plasma is generated by applying an electric field to a gas such as oxygen or air. The reactive species in the plasma can break the Si-O bond and introduce oxygen atoms onto the silicone surface, leading to oxidation.

[0030] Alternatively the protective layer can be created by high energy photon induction whereby high-energy photons of a specific wavelength are utilized in an ozone environment of 60-90 degrees to make the silica gel surface and the chemical bonds of the layer molecules break and combine with oxygen atoms in the ozone, creating a glass-like surface. This processing can more than double the oxygen concentration in the molecular structure, while concentrating the carbon, thus altering the molecular structure of the surface layer. The process may be applied by changing the dose and wavelength of the radiation to vary the thickness of the layer within the micron range. The whole process may be carried out in a standard atmospheric environment without requiring other chemicals.

[0031] Aesthetics: Plastic, metal, and paper can be used to create attractive and interesting makeup packaging. Given the saturation and competitiveness of the makeup industry though, it is hard to make packaging that is differentiated and stands out in customers minds. Silicone is an attractive material, that looks good and feels good. It can be molded into a specific shape. A design, or the brand name, can be molded to stand out on it (embossed or debossed). It can be pigmented with different colors. It can be polished in various ways so different parts can have different opacity. While plastic can be translucent, metal cannot. Having unique packaging is a significant asset for a makeup brand.

[0032] Durability: Makeup products (creams, powders, gloss etc.) are fragile so their packaging needs to be designed to protect them as they are carried around by users, thrown into a bag, opened and closed hundreds of times etc. Plastic, metal, and paper are sufficiently durable to protect makeup in ordinary use, however hard plastic cracks and metal dents when dropped, so over time users often end up with some of their makeup in damaged packaging. When metal dents this also affects the ability of the compact to close properly. Paper compacts don’t dent or crack, but they disintegrate over time much quicker than metal or plastic. Silicone does not dent or crack when dropped and has good shock-absorbing properties. It also has a long lifespan.

[0033] Sustainability: Sustainability is very important to people. The beauty industry is not a particularly sustainable industry, creating tons of plastic and other waste annually. Makeup companies score poorly against the mantra of environmentalism, reduce, reuse, recycle. Each year many millions of plastic, paper, and metal compacts are manufactured and thrown into landfill. These compacts are not recycled because they are typically made with materials that aren’t recyclable or are made with mixed materials which separately might be recyclable but the cost of separation is uneconomic for recyclers. Silicone is not recyclable at home, but can be recycled into other products including silicone oil, playground mats, dog chew toys, yoga mats etc. Having a take-back program for silicone compacts allows them to be recycled. The silicone compact is one-material, does not contain metal hinges or other materials which typically prevent plastic or metal compacts from being recycled. Given that many customers do not know how to recycle, do not have recycling available, or find it inconvenient to recycle, reusability is another important element of sustainability for compacts. Some manufacturers of plastic and metal compacts have reusable compacts. A silicone compact is superior for reusability given its durability and long lifespan. It won’t get dented or crack, and is very easily cleaned (if appropriately coated) either by hand or in the dishwasher. Given that much purchasing is made online or in store without testing, in many instances customers may find that the color is not what they wanted or expected and so will return the product. If a compact is sold with product then the whole thing is typically thrown away into a landfill (used makeup cannot be resold or repurposed). Refillable compacts are superior in this instance since only the refill (insertable pan) needs to be returned while the compact can be kept (or the compact can be returned and reused). Finally, plastic — which is the most common material for makeup compacts — is made from petrochemicals which have a harsh impact on the environment. Silicone is made from Sand and Oxygen and therefore has a lower environmental impact. Paper has a low environmental impact too but performs worst on durability.

[0034] Cleanliness: Given the nature of makeup, compacts get dirty over time as the product is used. This makes the product aesthetically unappealing and reduces customers interest in reusing the compact. Paper and Silicone perform poorly on this dimension. Silicone is porous and makeup sticks to it if not removed reasonably quickly. To ameliorate this, the Neen compact is coated to make it non-porous, while having little to no impact on the aesthetics of the silicone. It has high lubricity and so makeup can be easily wiped off and does not stick onto the compact.

General

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. [0036] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0037] A number of implementations have been described. Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.