Packaging with integrated collet

Abstract

Packaging systems include a container having a mouth, a workpiece, and an insert configured to receive the workpiece and to retain the workpiece within the mouth of the container in an axially aligned configuration. The insert has an annular wall with an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end thereof. The second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter, and the first end is configured for insertion into the mouth of the container before the second end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packaging system, comprising:
 a container having a mouth;   a workpiece; and   an insert configured to receive the workpiece and to retain the workpiece within the mouth of the container in an axially aligned configuration, wherein the insert has an annular wall with an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end thereof, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter, the first end being configured for insertion into the mouth of the container before the second end.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein a difference between the second outer diameter and the first outer diameter is about 0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the second outer diameter of the insert is about 0.000 inches to about 0.010 inches greater than an inner diameter of the mouth of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging system of  claim 3 , wherein the second outer diameter of the insert is the same as the inner diameter of the mouth of the container. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a bottoming shoulder proximal the first end thereof, the bottoming shoulder having an annular shape and being configured to prevent the workpiece from falling into the container when the insert and the workpiece are retained within the mouth of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a flange extending radially outward from the second end thereof, the flange being configured to contact a lip of the mouth when the insert is fully received within the mouth. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a workpiece engagement member extending radially inward from the annular wall into the insert, such that the workpiece engagement member engages the workpiece when the insert receives the workpiece. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging system of  claim 7 , wherein the workpiece engagement member includes a flexible tab that is configured to be pushed radially inward by the mouth of the container when the insert is fully received within the mouth. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging system of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible tab includes a tooth, a ramp, or a spike configured to extend into the workpiece when the insert is inserted into the mouth. 
     
     
         10 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the insert and an inner surface of the mouth of the container have complementary insert engagement members. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging system of  claim 10 , wherein the complementary insert engagement members include a ridge formed on the outer surface of the insert and a recess formed in the inner surface of the mouth. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cap that is configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the container and to form a seal against the insert. 
     
     
         13 . The packaging system of  claim 12 , wherein the cap is provided with a gasket that is configured to form the seal against a flange of the insert. 
     
     
         14 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the workpiece is a porous applicator. 
     
     
         15 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a cylindrical inner surface with a constant inner diameter. 
     
     
         16 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a tapered inner surface that tapers from a first inner diameter to a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than an outer diameter of the workpiece and the second inner diameter is less than the outer diameter of the workpiece. 
     
     
         17 . A cosmetic package, comprising:
 a container having a mouth and containing a formulation;   an applicator being porous and configured to hold the formulation; and   an insert configured to receive the applicator and to retain the applicator within the mouth of the container in an axially aligned configuration, wherein the insert has an annular wall with an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end thereof, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter, the first end of the insert being configured for insertion into the mouth of the container before the second end.   
     
     
         18 . The cosmetic package of  claim 17 , further comprising a cap that is configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the container and to urge the insert into the mouth. 
     
     
         19 . The cosmetic package of  claim 18 , wherein the cap comprises a gasket configured to seal against a flange of the insert when the insert is received within the mouth of the container and the cap is engaged with the outer surface of the mouth. 
     
     
         20 . The cosmetic package of  claim 17 , wherein the applicator extends into the formulation.