EP3595485A1

EP3595485A1 - Customizable palette

Info

Publication number: EP3595485A1
Application number: EP18767750.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Megan Langdon; Armando Villarreal
Original assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-15
Filing date: 2018-03-13
Publication date: 2020-01-22
Also published as: US20180263361A1; KR20190118684A; WO2018169947A1; CN110650651A

Abstract

A cosmetic container that includes a base assembly, a first lid assembly, and a second lid assembly. The lid assemblies may be pivotably coupled to the base assembly to selectively provide access to a first portion of the base assembly and a second portion of the base assembly. The cosmetic container may include a first plurality of trays positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly and a second plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly. The trays may be removable, replaceable, and/or interchangeable to provide a customizable palette.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE PALETTE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to US

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/471,641, filed on March 15, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a cosmetic compact, and in particular, to a customizable palette.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are numerous containers such as compacts and palettes for cosmetic products available. Such containers hold products in a useable form with various designs to allow a user access to the products. New and alternative approaches to such devices are desired.

SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

[0005] In a first example a cosmetic container may comprise a base assembly including a first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a bridge extending between a top edge the first and second lateral side wails, and a platform extending between a bottom edge of the first and second lateral side walls, a first lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a first portion of the base assembly, a second lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a second portion of the base assembly, a first plurality of trays positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly, and a second plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays may be magnetically coupled to the base assembly. [0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, each tray of the first pluraiity of trays may include at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof,

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, each tray of the first plurality of trays may include at least one magnet embedded in a wall thereof.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, each tray of the second plurality of trays may include at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, each tray of the second plurality of trays may include at least one magnet embedded in a wall thereof.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first wall and a second wall extending between the bridge and the platform.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the first wall.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the second wall, the surface of the second wall facing away from the surface of the first wall.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first plurality of magnets embedded in the first wail adjacent to a first surface of the wall.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a second plurality of magnet embedded in the second wall adjacent to a second surface of the wall, the second surface facing away from the first surface of the first wall . [0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first lid assembly and the second lid assembly may be configured to be open simultaneously.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays may be configured to be removable from the base assembly.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays may be configured to be repositionable within the base assembly.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, at least one tray of the first or second plurality of trays may be configured to hold a cosmetic product.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, at least one tray of the first or second plurality of trays may be configured to hold a cosmetic implement.

[0021 ] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one or more magnets disposed on a surface of the platform.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one or more magnets embedded in the platform.

[0023] In another example, a cosmetic container comprises a base assembly including a first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a bridge extending between a top edge of the first lateral side wall and a top edge of the second lateral side wall, and a platform extending between a bottom edge of the first lateral side wall and a bottom, edge of the second lateral side wall; a first lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a first portion of the base assembly; and a first plurality of trays positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly. [0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a back wall extending along the bridge between the first and second lateral side walls.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays are magnetically coupled to the base assembly.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, one or more trays of the first plurality of trays includes at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof or embedded in a wall thereof.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the back wall comprises a plurality of magnets on a surface thereof or embedded therein.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays are configured to be removable from the base assembly when the first lid assembly is open,

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one or more magnets disposed on a surface of the platform or embedded in the platform.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first wall and a second wall extending between the bridge and the platform a second lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a second portion of the base assembly; and a second plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly; wherein the first wall defines a back edge of the first portion of the base assembly, and the second wall defines a back edge of the second portion of the base assembly.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first and/or second plurality of trays are magnetically coupled to the base assembly. [Θ032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, one or more of the first plurality of trays and second plurality of trays includes at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof or embedded in a wall thereof.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the first wail and a second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the second wall,

[0034] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first lid assembly and the second lid assembly are configured to be open simultaneously.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays are configured to be removable from the base assembly.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one or more magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the platform.

[0037] The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures: [0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an illustrative customizable cosmetic container;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the lid assemblies removed:

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the lid assemblies in an open configuration;

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with one lid assembly open and a tray removed;

[0043] FIG. 5 A is a front perspective view of an illustrative tray from the cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 5B is a back perspective view of the illustrative tray of FIG. 5A;

[0045] FIG. 6 is a front perspective top view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with a lid assembly and trays removed; and

[0046] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view- of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 taken at line 8-8; and

[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 taken at line 9-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in nature.

[0050] For convenience, the present disclosure may be described using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others. It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a customizable cosmetic container or palette 10 in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein. The cosmetic container 10 may be customizable in that the cosmetics retained within the container 10 can be easily removed and inserted by the user and in any arrangement, as desired. As shown at FIG. 1, the cosmetic container 10 may include a base assembly 12, a first lid assembly 14, and a second lid assembly 16. Each of the first and second lid assemblies 14, 16 may be pivotably coupled to the base assembly 12. The first lid assembly 14 may be configured to cover a first or front portion 15 of the cosmetic container 10 and the second lid assembly 16 may be configured to cover a second or back portion 17 of the cosmetic container 10. While the first and second portions 15, 17 are illustrated as being substantially similar in size, it is contemplated that the first and second portions 15, 17 can have differing sizes (e.g., length, width, depth), as desired. The cosmetic container 10 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the cosmetic container 10 may take any shaped desired, including, but not limited to, square, circular, triangular, half-ovoid, polygonal, etc.

[0052] in some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, other polymers, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments may, however, include containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the base and/or lid assemblies 12, 14, 16 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.

[0053] The cosmetic container 10 may include a first plurality of trays 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e (collectively, 18) accessible underneath the first lid assembly 14. For example, the first lid assembly 14 can be rotated open to expose the plurality of trays 18, as will be described in more detail herein. As can be seen in FIG. 2, which is a front perspective view? of the customizable cosmetic container 10 with the lid assemblies 14, 16 removed, a second plurality of trays 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e (collectively, 22) are accessible underneath the second lid assembly 16. Each tray of the first plurality of trays 18 may include a fill puck 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (collectively, 20) and each tray of the second plurality of trays 22 may include a fill puck 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e (collectively, 24). The fill pucks 20, 24 may be configured to receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like.

[0054] While the trays 18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 illustrated as each having a similar size, it is contemplated that the trays 18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 may have differing sizes and/or a different number of trays 18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 may^¬ be provided on each portion 15, 17 of the container 10. For example, the first portion 15 may be provided with two trays 18. A first of the two trays may span a length equivalent to the first three trays 18a, 18b, 18c illustrated in FIG. 2. A second of the two trays may span a length equivalent to the last two trays 18d, 18e. This is just an example. The cosmetic container 10 may be provided with a large array of tray sizes and placement configurations on both the first and second portions 15, 17 of the container 10. Tray widths may be equivalent to one tray (e.g., 18a), two trays (e.g., 18a and 18b), three trays (e.g., 18a, 18b, and 18c), four tray s (e.g., 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d), or five trays (e.g., 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e), as desired. The fill pucks 20, 24 may be sized and shaped to generally fill their respective tray 18, 22, although this is not required. In some cases, one or more tray s 18, 22 may be free from a fill puck 20, 24 to allow for the placement and/or retention of a cosmetic implement. Some illustrative implements may include but are not limited to an applicator with a handle, an applicator without a handle, a stencil (e.g., a brow stencil), tweezers, a brush with or without a handle, a sponge with or without a handle, a pencil, a vial, a lipstick, etc.

[Θ055] The base assembly 12 may include a right (or first) lateral side wall 26 and a left (or second) opposing lateral side wail 28. The side walls 26, 28 may be interconnected by a bridge 30. The bridge 30 may include a first angled surface 32 facing a front side of the container 10 and a second angled surface 38 facing a back side of the container 10 direction generally opposite from the front side. The angled surfaces 32, 38 may allow the first and second lid assemblies 14, 16 to be pivoted open simultaneously to allow for access to cosmetics or implements in the front portion 15 and/or the back portion 17 at the sarne time, as shown in FIG. 3. The left side wall 28 may include an aperture or hole 34 positioned on a front side of and adjacent to the bridge 30. The aperture 34 may be configured to receive a pin extending from a left side surface the first lid assembly 14 to allow for pivotable rotation of the first lid assembly 14 relative to the base assembly 12. While not explicitly shown the right side wall 26 may include a similar aperture for recei ving a second pin extending from a right side surface of the first lid assembly 14. Similarly, a second aperture or hole 36 is positioned on a back side of and adjacent to the bridge 30. The aperture 36 may be configured to receive a pin extending from a left side surface the second lid assembly 16 to allow for pivotable rotation of the second lid assembly 16 relative to the base assembly 12. While not explicitly shown the right side wall 26 may include a similar aperture for receiving a second pin extending from a right side surface of the second lid assembly 16.

[0056] The left side wall 28 may include a first or front recess 40 positioned at or adjacent to a front side 80 thereof and a back or second recess 42 positioned at or adjacent to a back side 82 thereof. While not explicitly shown, the right side wall 26 may include similar recesses at or adjacent to the front (or first) and back (or second) ends thereof. The recesses 40, 42 (and those on the right side wall 26) may be configured to receive tabs or protrusions extending from left and right side walls of the lid assemblies 14, 16. For example, tabs 44, 46 for engaging the recesses on the right side wall 26 can be seen in FIG. 3. The tabs 44, 46 may be engaged with the recesses or the right side wall 26 to allow for the lid assemblies 14, 16 to be releasably secured to the base assembly 12.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a customizable cosmetic container or palette 10 with both lid assemblies 14, 16 in a fully open configuration. It should be understood the lid assemblies 14, 16 may be opened individually (e.g., with one of the lid assemblies 14, 16 remaining closed) or may be opened (individually or together) to a positioned between the closed and fully open configuration, as desired. While not explicitly shown, the first and/or second lid assembly 14, 16 may include a mirror positioned on an inner surface thereof. The first lid assembly 14 may include a groove or recess 48 formed in a front surface thereof. The recess 48 may provide an access or grip point to allow the user to apply an upwards force on the lid assembly 14 to pivot the lid assembly to an open configuration. In some cases, the recess 48 may not be provided. Similarly, the second lid assembly 16 may include a groove or recess 50 formed in a back surface thereof. The recess 50 may provide an access or grip point to allow the user to apply an upwards force on the lid assembly 16 to pivot the lid assembly 16 to the open configuration. In some cases, the recess 50 may not be provided.

[0058] In the closed configuration, the first lid assembly 14 may be configured rest on a lip or ridge 52 extending from the left side wall 28 and a lip or ridge 54 extending from the right side wall 26. The lid assembly 14 may include mating notches or recesses 76, 78 to allow the lid assembly 14 and the base assembly 12 to form a generally uniform or planar outer surface when the cosmetic container 1 is in the closed configuration. While not explicitly shown, the second lid assembly 16 may be configured to engage ridges in the base assembly 12 in a similar manner.

[0059] The trays 18, 22 may be removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable, as desired. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a tray 18a removed from the front portion 15. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 with the first lid assembly 14 and the front trays 18 and fill pucks 20 removed. The base assembly 12 may include a platform 58 extending between the left side wall 28 and the right side wail 26 adjacent to a bottom end of the side wal ls 26, 28. in some embodim ents, the platform 58 may not extend the entire width of the base assembly 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the platform 58 may not fully extend to the front 80 and/or back sides 82 of the base assembly 12. However, in some embodiments, the platform 58 may extend the entire width of the base assembly 12.

[0060] The tray s 1 , 22 may be configured to be slid into the base assembly 12. In some cases, the base assembly 12 may include a wall 62 extending between the right side wall 26 and the left slide wall 28. In some cases, the wall 62 may extend between the platform 58 and the bridge 30, although this is not required. The wall 62 may be a double wall having a first wall that faces the first trays 18 and a second wall that faces the second trays 22. The wall 62 may provide a mechanical stop to limit front to back (or back to front) movement of the tray(s) 18, 22. In some cases, the trays 18, 22 may be magnetically coupled to the base assembly 12 to secure the trays 18, 22 to the cosmetic container 10. In other words, the magnetic coupling may allow for the intentional removal and/or insertion of one or more trays 18, 22 within the base assembly 12 while limiting or preventing accidental dislocation of the trays 18, 22 during movement of or routine use of the cosmetic container 10.

[0Θ61] Referring additionally to FIG. 8, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10, taken at line 8-8 of FIG. 1, a magnet 96a-j (collectively, 96) may be disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the tray 18. The second plurality of trays 22 may similarly include a magnet be disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the tray 22. However, for clarity, the magnets in the trays 22 have not been identified in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, magnets 94a-j (collectively 94) may be disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the wall 62. The wall 62 may include a second array or plurality of magnets configured to magnetically couple with magnets in the second plurality of trays 22. However, for clarity, the magnets in the wall 62 for engaging the second plurality of trays 22 have not been identified in FIG. 8. In some examples, the magnets in the base may be replaced by a ferrous material to which magnets in the trays may attached; individual elements may be used at each position in the base as shown. Alternatively, to simplify manufacture of the base, a long piece of ferrous material, such as a piece of stainless steel, may be used instead of the individual elements, however, then it may be necessaiy to ensure that magnets in the trays are particularly placed with all polarities the same. In still another example, the base assembly 12 may include all the magnets, while the trays 18, 22 are formed with a ferrous material across the back portion thereof to attain attraction to the base assembly magnets.

[0Θ62] As the trays 18, 22 are slid into the base assembly 12, the magnetically coupling between the trays 18, 22 and the base assembly 12 may draw the tray 18, 22 into alignment. In other words, the magnets 94, 96 may be positioned to facilitate assembly of the trays 18, 22 with the base assembly 12 in an easy and intuitive manner. It is contemplated that the trays 18, 22 and the base assembly 12 may- include any number of magnets 94, 96 in any number of arrangements to reieasably secure the trays 18, 22 within/to the base assembly 12. For example, the trays 18, 22 and/or the base assembly 12 may be provided with an elongated magnet that extends along a length thereof. This is just an example.

[0063] It is further contemplated that the magnets 94, 96 may be positioned at and/or within additional or other locations on the base assembly 12 and the tray 18, 22, as desired. For example, referring additionally to FIG. 9 which is a cross- sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 taken at line 9-9, the platform 58 may include one or more of magnets 110 for magnetically coupling to one or more magnets 112 in the first plurality of trays 18. The platform 58 may include one or more additional magnets 1 14 for magnetically coupling to one or more magnets 116 in the second plurality of trays 22. It is contemplated that the magnets in the platform 110, 114 may be used in addition to or in place of the magnets 94 in the walls 62 of the base assembly 12. Similarly, the magnets in the bottoms of the trays 18, 22 may be used in addition to or in place of the magnets 96 in the trays 18, 22. It should be further understood that the magnets 94, 96 in the wail 62 and/or the trays 18, 22 may be used without the use of additional magnets 1 10, 112, 114, 116 in the platform 58 and/or trays 18, 22

[0064] The base assembly 12 as shown does not include any track or guide for the lateral placement of the trays therein; in other embodiments a channel may be provided to receive a mating protrusion on the bottom of a tray 1 , 22 (such protrusion is not shown in the embodiment of the figure but may be provided). In still other embodiments, a ridge or protrusion may be provided to mate with a channel in the bottom of the trays 18, 20 to aid in controlling lateral position of the trays in the base assembly 12.

[Θ065| The trays 18, 22 will be/have been described with reference to a specific tray 1 a. However is should be understood that the all of the trays 18, 22 may include similar or the same features as described herein . It should be further understood that trays having a different length or size from the trays 18, 22 shown herein may also include similar or the same features as described herein. FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of an illustrative tray 18a and FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of the illustrative tray 18a of FIG . 5A, The tray 18a may- include structural features which allows it to be removable engaged with the base assembly 12 while providing generally smooth or planar surfaces in combination with the lid assemblies 14, 16 and the base assembly 12 when the cosmetic container 10 is in the closed configuration. The tray 18a may also include structural features which limit advancement of the tray 18a relative to the base assembly 12 to guide the user in assembling the trays 18, 22 with the base assembly 12.

[0066] The tray 18a includes a bottom side 84, a top side 98, a front side 86, a back side 92, a left side 90, and a right side 88. The bottom side 84 may include a step or lip 74 positioned between the front side 86 and the back side 92 of the tray 18a. The step 74 may be configured to engage a front surface 64 of the platform 58. A tray 22 positioned on the back portion 17 of the cosmetic container 10 may be configured to engage a similar surface on the back side of the platform 58. For example, the tray 18a may slid along the platform 58 such that the bottom side 84 is positioned above the platform 58. Further movement of the tray 18a may be limited through one or more mechanical stops. For example, the back side 92 of the tray 18a may contact the wail 62. Alternatively or additionally, the step 74 may contact the edge 64 of the platform 58. When the tray 18a is assembled with the base assembly, a front portion 100 of the bottom side 84 forms a generally planar surface with the base assembly 12, as can be more readily seen in FIG. 7 which illustrates a bottom perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10.

[0067] The top side 98 may include a first step or lip 70 positioned adjacent to the back side 92 of the tray 18a. The step 70 may be configured to engage a front surface 102 (see, for example, FIG. 6) of a ledge 56 extending between the right side wall 26 and the left side wall 28. A tray 22 positioned on the back portion 17 of the cosmetic container 10 may be configured to engage a similar surface on the back side base assembly. A portion 68 of the tray 18a may be disposed under the ledge 56. The top side 98 may include a second step 104 positioned adjacent to the front side 86 of the tray 18a. The step 104 may create a ledge 66 upon which the lid assembly 14 rests when the cosmetic container 10 is in the closed configuration. The lid assembly 14 may rest on the ledge 66 in a manner which creates a generally planar surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 taken at line 9-9 of FIG. I, the lid assembly 14 may include a front edge 106 which is configured to mate against the ledge 66 and the step 104 of the tray 18. The lid assembly 14 thus holds the trays in place when closed as the lid assembly 14 rests against the ledge 66. For example, the lid assemblies 14, 16 in combination with the base assembly 12 may limit or prevent side to side (e.g., left to right) front to back, and/or top to bottom movement of the trays 18, 22 when the lid assemblies 14, 16 are in the closed configuration,

[0068] While the tray 18a is illustrated as including two magnets 96, it is contemplated that the tray 18a may be provided with fewer than two or more than two magnets 96 desired. For example, a single magnet 96 may be provided to engage one or more magnets 94 in the wall 62. Further, for a tray configured to span a length equivalent to two or more trays as illustrated, the tray 18, 22 may include four or more magnets 96. t should be understood that the length of the trays 18, 22 is not limited to whole integers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) of the illustrated trays 18, 22. Oilier trays may have a length which include fractions of the illustrated trays (e.g. 0.5, 1.75, 2.5, etc.). While not explicitly shown the tray 18a may include channels, grooves, rails, or other features configured to engage a mating feature on an adjacent tray.

[0069] While the illustrative example in Figures 1-9 shows two sets of trays and lids on opposing sides of the bridge 30, it is also contemplated that a single sided embodiment may be used instead. For such an embodiment, the device w ould essentially be provided as one-half of that shown. Thus, the first lid 14 would be provided along with the first trays 18, while second trays 22 and second lid 16 would be omitted. Referring, for example, to Figure 9, the right half of the device as shown would be entirely omitted. The bridge and first wall of the wall 62 could then be replaced with a back wall for the overall device. Such a back wall would then include the magnets 94 either on a surface thereof or embedded therein.

[0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is tlierefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cosmetic container comprising:

a base assembly including a first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a bridge extending between a top edge of the first lateral side wall and a top edge of the second lateral side wall, and a platform extending between a bottom edge of the first lateral sidewaii and a bottom edge of the second lateral side wail;

a first lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a first portion of the base assembly;

a first plurality of trays positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1 further comprising a back wall extending along the bridge between the first and second lateral side walls.

3. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first plurality of trays are magnetically coupled to the base assembly.

4. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 1 -2, wherein one or more of the first plurality of trays includes at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof or embedded in a wail thereof.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 2 wherein the back wall comprises a plurality of magnets on a surface thereof or embedded therein.

6. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 1 -2 or 5, wherein the first plurality of trays are configured to be removable from the base assembly when the first lid assembly is open.

7. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 1-2 or 5, further comprising one or more magnets disposed on a surface of the platform or embedded in the platform.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first wall and a second wall extending between the bridge and the platform a second lid assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a second portion of the base assembly; and

a second plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly;

wherein the first wall defines a back edge of the first portion of the base assembly, and the second wall defines a back edge of the second portion of the base assembly.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 8, wherein the first and/or second plurality of trays are magnetically coupled to the base assembly.

10. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 8-9, one or more of the first plurality of trays and second plurality of trays includes at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof or embedded in a wail thereof.

11. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 8-9, further comprising a first plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the first wall and a second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the second wall.

12. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the first lid assembly and the second lid assembly are configured to be open simultaneously.

13. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays are configured to be removable from the base assembly.

14. The cosmetic container of any one of claims 8-9 further comprising one or more magnets disposed on a surface of or embedded in the platform.