Cosmetic Sampler

The present invention relates to a cosmetic sampler, and more specifically, to a disposable unit dose or single application package for providing a cosmetic sample.

Cosmetics have typically been available for sampling in department stores in the very containers in which the product is sold, or in smaller versions of the same container. This method of marketing a cosmetic can become quite expensive and can create an uneasiness in the consumer since others "have been in the same pot." The concern over whether Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is communicable in this manner is a grave one.

Moreover, to date there has been no inexpensive and convenient method of marketing cosmetics by hand-outs or by mail, e.g., as inserts which accompany department store bills, other than cosmetic "strips", which consist merely of make-up samples deposited on a substrate covered by a paper mask. Such "strips" do not allow for the presentation of the cosmetic sample in a design pattern, nor do they allow for the simultaneous presentation of a number of colors in a single design.

Similar problems arise in the distribution of samples of creams, lipsticks, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, lotions, and other types of high viscosity, waxy materials.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive sanitary unit dose package which allows the consumer to sample a cosmetic, cream, lipstick, fragrance, pharmaceutical, lotion, or other high viscosity, waxy material without fear of contracting disease.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive unit dose package which can be distributed as a hand-out or placed in mailers.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a unit dose package for presenting samples to customers in a variety of aesthetically appealing designs and colors.

Briefly, the present invention is a cosmetic sampler package comprising a paper based stock screen printed with a slurry of make-up and solvent. A perimeter adhesive is printed around the make-up and protective thin film overlay laminated thereon.

In a second embodiment, a pressure sensitive adhesive stock with a removable liner is used. The resultant product is then die cut into samples which can be applied to any labelable substrate.

In a third embodiment, the conventional single-layer pressure sensitive base is replaced with a two-layer pressure sensitive stock having a non-pressure sensitive removable adhesive between the two layers. This construction yields a roll form label similar to that of the second embodiment, but which has the additional feature of being removable without residual tackiness.

In a fourth embodiment, the pressure sensitive base of the second or third embodiment is applied to a coupon stock.

In a fifth embodiment, the coupon of the fourth embodiment is fully covered with unit dose cosmetic samples.

In still further embodiments, the present invention can be provided as a folded sheet hand-out or as a pad of stacked samplers.

The present invention can also be used to provide unit doses of creams, lipsticks, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, lotions, and other high viscosity, waxy materials.

Other features and advantages of the invention are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a side cut-way view and top view, respectively, of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2b show a side cut-away view and top view, respectively, of a second embodiment of the present invention in which the base stock is replaced by a pressure sensitive material to yield a label.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a side cut-away view and top view, respectively, of a third embodiment of the present invention similar to the second embodiment except that the conventional single-layer pressure sensitive base is replaced by a two-layer pressure sensitive stock having a non-pressure sensitive removable adhesive between the two layers, yielding a removable label without residual tackiness.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side cut-away view and top view, respectively, of a three-layer embodiment of the present invention in which the cosmetic sample is applied to a coupon.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side cut-away view and top view, respectively, of a three-layer embodiment of the present invention in which a coupon is fully covered with the cosmetic sample.

FIG. 6 shows a foldable "hand-out" embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a pad of a plurality of single flat disposable sheets.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, the present invention comprises a coated cover stock 1, upon which is screen printed a cosmetic powder or make-up 2 in any desired pattern. A perimeter adhesive 3 is applied to the coated face stock 1, and a two mil. polypropylene clear cover sheet 4 is laminated over the make-up 2. Cover 4 serves to prevent offset and projects the image of a clean, sanitary product.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a small void 5 in the perimeter adhesive 3 in one corner of the cosmetic sampler 4 gives a starting point for the easy removal of the cover. As shown in FIG. 1B, the cosmetic sampler is manufactured in a strip of samples separated by perforations 6. This embodiment of the invention is a protected free-standing unit which can be used as a free-standing handout, i.e. for in-person disbursal by a sales agent.

The paper base 1 can be pre-printed on one or both sides or can be printed in line on one or both sides depending on the particular press configuration employed. Although it is not necessary to avoid printing under the cosmetic powder 2, most make-up is generally opaque, and any copy printed underneath the powder would be difficult to read. Printing the cosmetic over the pre-printed surface requires some reregistration device, such as a printed mark capable of being detected by an electric eye, or a hole or series of holes either detectable or usable as line feed holes, if the press is equipped with a tractor feed.

In the process for making the invention, the paper base 1 is run through the press and printed with as many colors of make-up 2 as required and allowed by the press configuration. These deposits of make-up may be in virtually any shape and size compatible with the press capability and may be in proximity and registered with each other. In a preferred embodiment, a moderately coarse mesh (125 threads per inch) from Advance Process Supply Co. and a sharp 80-85 durometer squeegee are used to deposit the make-up on the substrate. The mesh has an unusually fine thread for its count resulting in a smooth screen with a high percentage of open area.

The make-up slurry is formed by wetting the make-up with a solvent compatible with the chemsitry of the powder. For instance, a pearlescent eyeshadow with inorganic pigments that wet well can be used with n-propyl alcohol. If a coarse screen and a poorly lubricated powder are used together, additional lubricant such as glycerine or silicon oil must be added to the slurry. The viscosity of the slurry and the amount of solvent added must be tailored to the individual powder, as is the choice and amount of lubricant, although the amount of lubricant should preferably be kept below 5%.

After printing the make-up 2, the perimeter adhesive 3 is printed on paper substrate 1, and the protective overlay 4 is laminated to the adhesive. The adhesive 3 is preferably, but not necessarily, pressure sensitive. It can consist of an anaerobic, a self crosslinking, a U.V. curable, a heat curable material, or it can simply be dried by evaporation. In the preferred embodiment, a U.V. crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive is used for ease of operation. The protective overlay 4 can be a glassine sheet or a film such as a 2 mil. polypropylene, or a more opaque sheet, depending on the effect desired. In any event, however, the protective overlay 4 must be strong enough to be removed cleanly from the adhesive selected; i.e., it cannot tear upon removal. The finished lamination can then be perforated, die cut and finished in any configuration desired.

In a typical application, the product would be produced in a strip of five samples separated by perforations and packaged ten strips to a polybag. These samples could be torn off the strip and handed to the customer for demonstration of the product. Individual samples would contain enough powder for one application of the cosmetic, but not so much that it would substitute for a sale to the consumer.

In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the paper base stock is replaced by an adhesive coated base material. The base material 7 can comprise, for example, a high gloss face stock and the adhesive 8, coated on the underside of the base, can be of a pressure sensitive, heat seal, water or solvent activated type. A liner 9 covers the pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, liner 9 is a kraft type liner, but it can also be a glassine, plastic film paper film laminate, or a layered paper. Alternatively, the base can be simply a raw stock capable of being glued onto a product by the manufacturer.

Following lamination of the protective cover sheet 4, in the preferred embodiment, the product is die cut and matrix stripped to convert the product into labels. As mentioned previously, cover sheet 4 must have a sufficient internal strength so that the weakest bond is the adhesive-laminate bond, as is the case with any temporary laminate. After the product is die-cut, the individual pressure sensitive make-up samples are then applied either by hand or automatically to any labelable substrate, such as literature, a bill, a mailer, a magazine insert, bottles or other containers, cartons, other labels or even directly on the cosmetic package.

In a third embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the conventional, single-layer pressure-sensitive base stock of FIGS. 2A and 2B is replaced with two-layer pressure-sensitive stock having a non-pressure sensitive removable adhesive between the two layers. This yields a roll form label that may be used in any of the applications of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The label of this embodiment, however, has the additional feature of being removable, leaving behind a clear non-tacky film or a paper that can be provided with print which is exposed upon removal of the top layer.

To form the product according to this embodiment, a base material 11, preferably pressure sensitive, is run through a press. The base material can be a film or a paper coated with any compatible pressure sensitive adhesive 8 on a polysiloxane coated release liner 9. Preferably, a polypropylene, acetate, polystyrene, or a paper substrate is used. This substrate may be printed and is then coated with a non-pressure sensitive removable adhesive 10 (either full coat or patterned). Such an adhesive can be obtained commercially or formulated from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, latex, EVA (a polymerized ethyl vinyl acetate), EVOH (a polymerized ethyl vinyl alcohol), PVA (a polyvinyl alcohol), brominated PVA and crosslinking elastomers.

An unsupported paper, foil or film 7 is then laminated to the adhesive surface. The top material may be, but does not have to be, printed. The result is a two-layer construction which can be applied to a product and separated by peeling off the top layer, yielding a non-tacky sheet and leaving a non-tacky base on the product. The two-layer paper or label is run through a screen press and printed with the make-up powder, then laminated and die cut. The result is a label that can be applied to a product, package or piece of printed material, but which can be removed from that product prior to the removal of the samples' cover and its use. The material left behind has no tacky residue, the background being opaque or transparent, printed or plain, as desired in the particular application.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the two-layer cosmetic sampler label of the third embodiment is applied to a coupon in the form of, for example, an instant redemption coupon, a mail-in rebate or other promotion. The three-layer construction may comprise a sample of the product or some companion product, a cents-off coupon for this or the companion product, and other instructional or advertising information, or a clear base that does not interfere with package graphics.

A conventional single-layer cosmetic sampler of the second embodiment can also be used if the "coupon" is designed to be used after purchase. One additional feature that may be incorporated into the larger two-layer removable label is a strip of permanent adhesive printed along one edge to give a more easily applied coupon with no danger of accidental pre-separation of the two layers. This adhesive, usually a self-cross linking acrylic, a kept narrow enough so that it does not interfere substantially with the complete removal of the coupon.

A fifth embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, is a three-layered construction prior to the screen press. A pressure sensitive base material is run through a press, preferably a Flexographic press. As stated previously, the base material can be a paper foil or film and can be preprinted, or printed during the press pass. This material is full or pattern coated with the removable, non-pressure sensitive adhesive 10 and possibly a narrow permanent edge bonding adhesive. A second web, which may also be preprinted, blank or printed in-line during the process, is introduced to the wet adhesive surface, and is itself coated with a similar adhesive or a pair of adhesives.

A third web, as in the fourth embodiment described above, is then introduced and the finished construction is run through the screen press to be printed with the make-up and laminated. This embodiment of the invention is be especially useful to sample several colors on package with a mail-in order form or coupon for a companion product, with the stay-behind base indicating that the coupon and samples have been removed.

All of the embodiments of the present invention described above have the form of a protected, "sanitary" means of make-up sample presentation. Obviously, the invention could be presented without the polypropylene cover, provided that handling techniques and stock selections are employed to avoid off-set. A major problem, of course, with unprotected versions is abrasion in packaging.

One way to solve this problem is by interleaving or folding one side of the web over the printed make-up, resulting in a convenient "handout" embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6. This product is formed by running a high quality C2S web through a screen press. Optionally, the web can be preprinted with high-quality graphics, including four-color process copy. Make-up 2 is printed on the sheet 7 and, with the assistance of a perforation or score 12, the sheet is folded at the end of the press. The folded sheet provides necessary protection to allow handling and distribution of the non-laminated free-standing handout.

In a still further embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, a pad 14 of stacked unit dose sampler sheets 16 is formed. The high quality C2S sheet referred to in the previous embodiment is run through the web screen press (after preprinting, if desired) and the make-up sample is printed onto it and laminated fully or only over the make-up sample, if desired. The printed web is then sheeted and stacked with appropriate chipboard backing 18 and cover sheets 20, and is then padded. The result is a pad 14 that can be incorporated into a make-up display similar to the cakes that are currently used, except that each customer now is able to tear off a clean sheet that has not already been handled by other customers.

The use of screen techniques according to the present invention for preparing make-up samples is not limited to samples of eyeshadows or other inorganically pigmented powders. Organically pigmented powders may also be sampled by adjusting the solvent system and by, if necessary, reducing the pigment loading to compensate for the tendency of some organic pigments to develop in a liquid medium. Such a technique would also allow the sampling of blushers.

The laminated techniques described above also lend themselves to sampling non-liquid but oily products, such as lipstick, sunscreen stick, stick deodorant, or any oily, non-liquid pharmaceutical product. A screen press with a heated steel mesh or a flexographic process with heated pans and cylinders allows the handling of high-viscosity oils or waxes that drop in viscosity when heated. These materials flow well enough when hot to be forced through a mesh or transferred through a roller train passing from the hotter surface to the cooler one. These products require the laminated cover (i.e. they can never be folded or stacked in a pad) as they are never truly dry, and would offset under pressure if rerolled without protection. Although this method of delivery is thus more limited than that for drier powders, it has great advantages over the current methods of sample distribution which are either expensive (individual lipstick tube) or very messy and unsanitary (community lipstick pots).

The present invention can also be used for products other than cosmetics; i.e., it can be used to sample other dry powders or oily, waxed substances which can be tested in small volumes and of which an attractive sample would be an incentive to purchase.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, many other variations and modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.