MXPA04009576A

MXPA04009576A - Multi-functional compact with storage receptacles.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04009576A
Application number: MXPA04009576A
Authority: MX
Inventors: M Hung Michelle
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corp
Priority date: 2002-04-08
Filing date: 2003-04-07
Publication date: 2005-06-08
Also published as: JP2006504593A; AU2003303748A1; US20060027481A1; WO2004074112A2; CA2481897A1; WO2004074112A3; CN1646393A; EP1499539A2

Abstract

A container comprising complementary panels (3,5) foldably joined along a hinge member (4), complementary trays (100, 111) attached to respective said complentary panels disposed for alignment with one another when said complentary panels are folded into face-to face relationship with one another , at least one object; and locking mechanism (106, 105) for selectively retaining said complementary trays in face-to-face relationship with one another.

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL POWDER WITH STORAGE CONTAINER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to containers, and more particularly to a container that has trays attached to articulated panels. Consumer products have traditionally been sold in containers in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Manufacturers want to pack the products in a way that protects the product, allows easy access to the product in many cases and provides a printing surface. A problem often faced by manufacturers is that a container stiff enough to protect a product is formed in a configuration and a substance that does not provide a printing surface. Thus, it can be appreciated that it may be useful to have a container for receiving a variety of articles, from a single article to a compound type of substance such as a cosmetic. In addition, it can be appreciated that it may be useful to have a container that can provide easy access to the product. It can also be appreciated that it may be useful to have a container that protects a product while providing print surface area. The products are placed in containers using a variety of packaging techniques. Cosmetics have traditionally been packaged and stored in ways that must take into consideration the need to preserve the material that is stored from deterioration, while also presenting the packaging contents in a way that is aesthetically attractive to the customer. At the same time, manufacturing costs are required to be economic. Another desirable feature is that the packaging must be versatile enough to serve as a container for various types of cosmetic formulations and other materials. With regard to the packaging of cosmetic formulations, which are often packaged in molded pockets, it may be desirable to pack directly into the same container what is known as hot formulations, meaning cosmetic compositions that are heated and poured into a container in the state fluid after being allowed to cool, and "cold formulations", which means fluid or solid compositions that do not heat up during packaging. This method of double packing has not been previously possible because the various elements of the molded compact can not be separated to allow filling by the different processes. The container comprises at least one tray secured to a substrate. The substrate is bent or a combination of these is marked in at least two panels. At least one tray is secured to at least one surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the container has a first tray secured to a first substrate panel. A second tray is secured to a second substrate panel. A joint means secures the first substrate panel to the second substrate panel. The second tray is aligned and configured to at least partially cover a portion of the first tray when the container is in a closed position. The container comprises at least one tray secured to a substrate. The substrate is bent or a combination of these is marked in at least two panels. At least one tray is secured to at least one substrate surface. In one embodiment, the container has a first tray secured to a first substrate panel. A second tray is secured to a second substrate panel. A joint means secures the first substrate panel to the second substrate panel. The second tray is aligned and configured to cover at least partially a portion of the first tray when the container is in a closed position. It has now been found, however, that a package suitable for containing cosmetic preparations for storage and presentation can be formed by the present invention. It is observed that while the packaging is considered generally applicable to the packaging of cosmetic preparations, the statement or description of that particular use should not be perceived as limiting, since the invention can be used to contain a variety of materials including compositions, solid materials or discrete articles. The package typically comprises an outer cover formed of a flexible substrate, which is formed by bending or marking or a combination of these steps in at least one front panel, a back panel and a joint panel; The outer cover has an inner surface and an outer surface. The flexible substrate can be of any material that can be easily bent or marked to provide a box-like shape for the outer cover. Accordingly, this substrate can be selected from the group consisting of cardboard, synthetic paper and cardboard, collapsible plastic, ordinary gray pasted cardboard, folding fabric laminations, other laminations and various combinations thereof. A preferred substrate is cardboard, which may be of varying basis weight according to the size and the intended final weight of the package. For example, a solid bleached sulphate board (SBS) that is coated on one or both sides (C1S or C2S, respectively) can be used. The flexible substrate may include materials that provide certain desired characteristics to the package. For example, a protective material can be used to coat one or both surfaces of a cardboard material to provide a substrate that blocks the migration of odors or aromas from the contents of the package to the exterior. The surfaces of the cover can be printed with text, graphics or any other suitable image. Printing can be done by any available method. Mirror panels can also be printed on one or both surfaces using metallic ink. In one aspect of the invention, the outer cover may comprise a foldable extension of any free edge thereof. The extension can be sized to be of the same dimensions as the front or rear panel. In a preferred embodiment, a foldable extension is provided on the outer edge of the front panel, and is folded inward toward the interior of the package to provide a panel that is twice the thickness of the front panel, thereby adding a reinforcing effect . The foldable extension can also carry printed design, color or information, and allows these additional features to be introduced into the packaging without the need for two-sided printing. In yet another aspect, the foldable extension of the front panel of the outer cover can be folded by itself into one or more panels which, when folded around the outside of the back panel, provide a means of closure. In this respect, the foldable extension is folded into a panel corresponding in dimension to the articulation panel of the outer cover, and a corresponding closure wing which underlies at least a portion of the back panel and which has a free edge thereof. . The free edge of the closure wing can terminate in a tab, which is formed to engage in a slit in the back panel to provide a closure means. A formed plastic tray is attached to one or more of the surfaces of the outer cover. The attachment means may be an adhesive such as an adhesive or a heat-fused polymer. Alternatively, the tray can be held in place in relation to the cover by mechanical means. The tray comprises one or more containers of any suitable shape. Generally, the container is in the form of a rounded depression that can be sized to fill directly with the product being packaged, or to accommodate an insert or reservoir containing the product. The ability of the package to adapt to contain reservoirs containing each cosmetic formulations in hot or cold is a particular advantage of the invention, since both types of formulations are thus packaged in a simple package. The plastic tray is formed from any plastic material that can be molded, for example, by injection molding or any other suitable means. Clear, opaque, colored or optically modified plastic materials are equally suitable. The plastic tray comprises one or more containers shaped and sized to accommodate the product to be packaged. For example, a single container can be included to contain a compacted cosmetic preparation, or a single container can be shaped to contain a compact disc. The double containers can be incorporated into the plastic tray of other embodiments so that complementary cosmetic shadows or other preparations that are desirably packaged together can be included in the same package. In another aspect of the invention, the container can be sealed to protect its filled contents, either by attaching a protective film to the edges of the container, or by attaching a cover to the container to provide a closure means. The cover can be completely removed, or it can be attached to the container by a movable joint that is formed to be able to open in an unstressed position and in a tensioned, closed position when engaged with the upper part of the container. Each container can also be formed to contain a cassette carrying the product. By this configuration, the cassettes can be selected and inserted into the containers of each package, thus allowing the package to be used for different product combinations or allowing the package to be adapted to the needs at the point of sale. In one aspect, the invention comprises a package that includes: an outer cover formed of a flexible substrate and composed of a front panel, a back panel and an articulation panel; each of the front panel and the rear panel has an outer edge and a joint edge in the region of connection to the articulation panel; the outer cover has an inner surface and an outer surface; plastic trays formed, oppositely located, each attached to the inner surface of the front panel or the rear panel and which are spatially opposed to a corresponding formed plastic tray attached to the other panel, and each one including an outer edge corresponding in orientation to the outer edge of the front or rear panel, and an articulation edge corresponding in orientation to the articulation panel of the outer cover; each formed plastic tray further includes one or more containers formed therein; and A fastening element comprised of corresponding coupling elements which, when engaged, provide secure closure of the package. The coupling elements are preferably, but not necessarily, integrally formed with the plastic tray. In a preferred embodiment, the package comprises two plastic trays formed, oppositely located. Opposedly located plastic trays may each be additionally formed to provide a recessed area at or near its outer edge, thereby providing an access region for opening the package. Preferably, the recessed areas are formed on the outer edge of the oppositely located trays so that when the oppositely placed plastic trays are bent towards each other to close the package, an access region for opening the package is defined in the region of the front panel and the rear panel. In another aspect, the oppositely located formed plastic trays can be shaped to provide a centrally depressed region in each tray. The centrally pressed opposing regions are placed opposite each other by joining together when the package closes, forming a cavity in which an insert can be placed. In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the plastic trays formed further includes an extension formed along a portion of the outer edge thereof, such that the extension projects beyond the outer edge of the outer cover. The extension provides a means of gripping to open and close the package, and protects the outer edge of the outer cover from wear. In certain embodiments, the extended region may be formed along the entire length of the outer edge of the formed plastic tray; in other embodiments, it may be formed as one or more rigid tabs that is formed along only a portion of the length of the outer edge of the formed plastic tray. The preferably formed plastic tray comprises coupling elements integrally formed with the structure of the tray. In this regard, any coupling means that can be formed by the forming process is contemplated herein. Non-limiting examples of the corresponding coupling elements are those that can be selected as ridges and grooves formed in at least a portion of the perimeter of the tray, pins and receptacles, hooks and retainers, segments of adhesive fabric or rings. In certain preferred embodiments, the corresponding coupling elements are pins and receptacles, or ridges, which are molded correspondingly with the plastic tray formed in an injection molding process. The pins are preferably formed to be slightly larger in diameter than the receptacle at the pendant end thereof. The coupling of the pins in the receptacles, preferably with some application of pressure to insert the sloping ends, effect the closing of the packing. The package of the invention may incorporate an electronic device such as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag., an antenna, an electronic security device, or any combination thereof. One or more of these elements can be fixed or printed on any surface of the package. In another embodiment that provides a security means for detecting tampering, as well as a presentation feature for the contents of the package, the outer cover may include one or more cutouts in either or both of the front or rear panels, the cutout may be placed on a certain region of a compact disk, for example, or on the container to provide a clear view of the product. The cutout can be covered by a transparent film on either the inner surface or the outer surface of the outer cover. For example, a transparent material may adhere around the edges of the cutout on the inner or outer surface of the outer cover, or the entire package may be wrapped in a transparent film. The various packaging modes of the invention provide a versatile, flexible, lightweight way of packaging that is also economical to manufacture. The customer, typically a popular market retailer, is also provided with a greater ability to adapt the packaging without requiring the manufacture of new batches of packaging. For example, the packaging of cosmetics of the invention can be adapted to the needs at the point of sale, since the retailer can insert or remove cassettes containing various colors and product mixes in individualized packaging and present the customer with a package only prepared which bears the manufacturer's mark. The same benefits can result if the packaging is used in other retail markets, such as commercialization of compact discs or digital video discs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a compact having multiple containers according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 provides a perspective view of an open compact. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partially open compact.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the closed compact of Figures 1-3. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the compact of Figure 3 showing the three-dimensional aspects of the plastic tray formed. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a compact partially open according to another embodiment of the invention and having a simple container. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the closed compact of Figure 6. Figure 7a illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the relative configuration of the components of the compact of Figure 6. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the inner side of the compact of Figure 8. Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a completely open compact. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a closed compact showing the internal configuration of the components when the package is closed. Figure 12 is a plan view of a closed compact showing the internal configuration of the components when the package is closed.

Figure 13 is a cross section of the closing end of the compact in a mode of the invention. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a plastic tray formed in accordance with the invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a plastic tray formed in accordance with the invention. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the inner side of the formed plastic tray of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a compact with mirrors according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a package according to the invention comprising a compact with mirrors and apiicator. Figure 19 is a representation of a package according to the invention comprising an insert contained within a cavity within the package. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a closed compact including a cutout in the front panel that provides a view of the contents of the package. Figure 21 is a representation of a formed plastic tray having a cover on each container according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 22 shows the open compact of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the underside of the compact of Figure 21. Figure 24 is a representation of a package according to the invention comprising a compact with a cover and an outer cover with a foldable extension, which It can be fixed. Figure 25 is a representation of a package according to the invention comprising a compact with a cover and a foldable extension. Figure 26 is an expanded view showing the outer cover and the components of the compact of a package having a folded extension according to the invention. Figure 27 is a representation of a package according to the invention wherein the outer cover comprises a bent extension. Figure 28 is a representation of a package according to the invention having an alternately configured cover member. As shown in Figures 1-5, a multifunctional compact according to the invention comprises a first plastic tray 100 formed, a second plastic tray 111 formed, and an outer cover 1 formed of a cardboard substrate. The first formed plastic tray 100 includes a region 101 of collar and container 104 formed as depressions therein. The first formed plastic tray 100 includes vertical side walls 112 and a front wall 113 formed perpendicular to the side walls 112. The first formed plastic tray 101 further includes a beveled edge 117 running continuously along each of the side walls 112 and corresponds to a beveled edge 118 extending along at least a portion of the wall 113. frontal. The front wall 113 further has a recessed edge 103 thereof which forms a recessed region 110 which provides an access area for a fixing element., and to help with the opening of the tray. Also included in the formed plastic tray 101 is an extension 102 running along the entire length of the outer edge of the first formed plastic tray 100. The recessed region 110 includes containers 105 which serve as coupling elements to close the package. The outer cover 1 of the packaging according to this embodiment of the invention is comprised of a front panel 3, a joint panel 4 and the rear panel 5 formed of a cardboard material such as cardboard C1S. As shown in Figure 1, the first formed plastic tray 100 is fixed, by adhesive means such as glue or hot-melt adhesive to the inside of the rear panel 5 and the second plastic tray formed is fixed to the inside of the front panel 3 . The packaging thus formed, shown in Figure 2, includes an articulation panel 4 without glue that provides the desired flexibility to allow repeated folding and closure of the package. The second formed plastic tray 111 is comprised of a panel region 106 surrounded by the walls 107, the front wall 114 and the rear wall 116. The front wall 114 further includes an extension 108 thereof. The second formed plastic tray 111 also has flanges 115 and 119 formed in the side walls 107 and the front wall 114, respectively. The recessed region 103 of the first plastic tray 100 formed corresponds to an extension 108 formed in the second plastic tray 111 formed. The coupling elements for closing and securing together the first tray 100 formed and the second tray 111 formed, thus closing the package, are provided with pins 109 formed in the extension 108, which are cooperatively located in correspondence with the containers 105 in the 110 region rented. As shown in Figure 3, the second plastic tray 111 formed further includes an extension 120 running along the entire length of the outermost edge of the second plastic tray 111 formed. To close the package, the extensions 115 and 119 are pulled down on the beveled edges 117, 118 of the first formed plastic tray 100. The extension 108 is lowered over the recessed region 110 and the pegs 109 fitted into the containers 105. The closed package showing the exposed outer print surface area formed by the panel 3 is shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a transparent view of the internal aspects of the package showing the depth of the containers 14 in relation to the collar region 101 of the first plastic tray 100 formed. An alternative embodiment of the invention that shows a compact with a single container is represented by Figures 6-7. Figure 6 also presents an alternative closure element. The package in this embodiment comprises a plastic tray 200 formed and an outer cover 6. A first formed plastic tray 200 is formed of a collar region 201, a container 204 inserted therein, side walls 215 and the front wall 216. The front wall 216 has a beveled edge 214 having grooves 203 at spaced intervals therein, and an extension 202 running along the length of the outer edge thereof. The opening of the container 204 is circumscribed by a collar 208, which is pressed relative to the plane of the collar region 201. A second formed plastic tray 211 is comprised of a panel region 206, side walls 207, front wall 217 and a rear wall 218. The front wall 217 has an extension 202 protruding along the length thereof, and tabs 205 spaced apart along the length thereof, the tabs are positioned to cooperatively couple the slots 203 in the first tray 200 of formed plastic. The packing closure mechanism of Figures 6-7 is engaged by inserting the tabs 205 into the slot 203. As shown in Figure 7, the closed package of this embodiment provides extensions 202 that extend beyond the outer edge of the container. the cardboard cover, thus providing protection for the cover and also providing handles for pulling the first tray 200 formed and the second tray 211 formed. Figure 8 provides a transparent, exploded view showing the placement of the first plastic tray 200 formed and the second plastic tray 211 formed in relation to the outer cover 6. The outer cover 6 is divided by folding lines into a front panel 3, a joint panel 4 and a rear panel 5. The first plastic tray 200 formed is injection molded to include posts 209 that provide structural support to the collar region 201 and the container 204. Figure 9 shows a transparent representation of the inverted package. Figure 10 is a representation of the fully formed, open package of Figures 6-9. Figure 11 provides another transparent view of the package. The container 204 is molded to have sufficient depth, as provided by a circumferential container wall 210, to accommodate the desired product. Desirably, as shown, the height of the container wall 210 is approximately equivalent to the height of the posts 209, the container wall 210 thereby provides additional support to the collar region 201 and the collar 208 of the first tray 210. 200 of plastic formed. Figure 12 provides a planar end view of another embodiment of the invention showing the relative height and placement of the container wall 210 and the posts 209 in this embodiment of the invention. Also in this embodiment of the invention, the cover 6 is cut from a template so that the front panel 3 and the rear panel 5 each terminate at the outer edge thereof at a distance behind the outer edge formed by the extension 202 respectively located of the plastic trays 200 and 211 formed. Accordingly, an extension 202 protrudes beyond the outer edges of the front panel 3 and the rear panel 5 respectively. The advantage of this construction is that the user can hold the extensions 202, which are of rigid plastic construction, for pulling and releasing the coupling means without having to hold or otherwise handle the outer edges of the cover 6, and In this way, the cardboard portion is less susceptible to handling damage. Figure 13 presents a cross section of an end view of the package showing the coupling means. As shown, the front wall 217 of the second formed plastic tray 211 is molded on the facing side to the inside thereof to form the protruding tongue 205. and the front wall 216 of the first plastic tray 200. formed is molded on its facing side to the outside to form the groove 203. The tongue 205 cooperatively engages within the groove 203. Preferably, the tongue 205 has an end that is formed slightly larger than the groove opening. 203, so that the insertion of the tab 205 requires a pressure application to insert the elongate end into the slot 203, and similarly, the removal of the tab 205 requires the application of a degree of force to remove it from the opening of the tab. the slot 203. Also shown in Figure 13, there is a cavity 219 formed between the first plastic tray 200 formed and the second plastic tray 211 formed. The cavity 219 is formed by increasing the depth of the collar region 201 and the flat region 206 relative to the side walls 207, 215 and the front and rear walls 216, 217, and 218, 220, respectively. The cavity 219 is useful for containing an insert, product sample or other article of appropriate size. Figure 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the second plastic tray 211 formed in accordance with the invention comprising ridges 212 around the inner periphery of the tray that connects the corner formed by the side walls 207, the wall 217 front and rear wall 218. When the second formed plastic tray 211 is placed on the first formed plastic tray 200, the ridges 212 extend laterally on the upper edges of the side walls 215, the front wall 216 and the rear wall 220 of the first tray 200 of formed plastic. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 15, the upper edges of the aforesaid walls of the first formed plastic tray 200 are bevelled to provide a notch 213 around the periphery of the tray in which the flanges 212 will fit tightly when the two trays fit together. Figure 16 shows the inner side of a plastic tray 200 formed according to the invention showing the molded posts 209, the container wall 210, and in particular the formation of a notch 213 along a side wall 207. The notch and the corresponding flanges, as represented by elements 213 and 212 of the Figures, as shown in this Figure 16, may be discontinuous and extend along certain walls instead of around the entire periphery of the plastic trays formed. Figure 17 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the flat region 206 of the second formed plastic tray 211 is formed as a mirror element 220 by the provision of a layer of metallic ink. The metal sheet can also be laminated on the surface to provide the same effect, or a real mirror can be inserted. Although this later option is within the scope of the invention, it is less desirable because of the substantial increase in the weight of the package associated with the use of a glass element as well as the likelihood of breakage. As shown in Figure 18, the compact of the invention may also include as an insert an applicator such as a cushion or sponge. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, the insert can be a small booklet or folded booklet. It should also be noted that the compact of the invention is suitable for storage, transportation and marketing of materials other than cosmetics. Accordingly, the package of Figure 19 can be modified by incorporating the convention of disk containing means in the collar region 201 and the container 204 to accommodate a CD or DVD of varying size or shape. Still another embodiment of the invention is represented by Figure 20. In this embodiment, a cutout 12 is included in the front panel 3 to provide view inside the package from the outside, for example to see the product contained therein. , and in this way is useful as a presentation feature. In other embodiments, multiple cutouts may be incorporated, and generally the cutouts may be placed on the front or back panel of the cover. In Figure 20, a transparent film is fixed on the cut-out 12. A similar film or protective material can be affixed to the outside of the package as well, or the same protective effect can be achieved by wrapping the compact with a film material. Still another embodiment of the invention is presented in Figure 21. According to this embodiment, a single formed plastic tray 300 is covered by a cover 305. The cover 305 is integrally molded with the plastic tray 300 formed, however, it is also recognized that the cover can be formed separately and then removably attached to the plastic tray 300 formed. The plastic tray 300 formed includes on its front wall 302 a recessed region 303 that provides access to the fingers to remove the cover 305. A corresponding recessed region 309 is located in a collar region 304 of the plastic tray 300 formed that approximately it is located in the recessed region 303. The cover 305 bifurcates on wings covering each of the containers 314 (shown in Figure 21), each wing having a collar region 306 and a cutout 307. The wings of the cover 305 are sized to press fit on the flanges 305. containers 314 to provide a seal and thus contain the product within the containers without the need for an additional corresponding formed plastic tray. In this embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 22, the cover 305 is integrally molded with the plastic tray 300 formed during an injection molding process, the matrix configuration providing the formation of the cover 305 in a open position, not tensioned, and folded tightly to an edge of the plastic tray 300 formed by a movable joint 308. The inner sides of the formed plastic tray 300 and the cover 305 are shown in Figure 23. The containers 314 are molded with the walls 315 that provide a structural support to the collar region 304. In this modality, as shown in Figures 21-26, the cutouts 307 are covered with a film material that protects the contents of the container. In other embodiments, these cutouts can be removed from the packaging construction and instead a unitary molded wing made of opaque or transparent substituted material. Generally, in such packaging embodiments, the cover 305 provides the primary closure means, however other closure means may be incorporated. As shown in Figure 24, the folded-connected roof panels 310, 311, 312, 314 and 315 are divided by fold lines to form a cover covering the plastic tray 300 formed. The panel 312 is determined by a tongue 316 corresponding to the insertion in a slot 317 formed in the panel 310. Accordingly, when the cover panels are folded over the formed plastic tray 300, the articulation panel 314 lies against the rear wall (not shown) of the plastic tray 300 formed, the panel 311 underlies the cover 305, the articulation panel 315 lies against the front panel 302 and the panel 312 partially covers the panel 301 when the tongue 316 is inserted in the slot 317. In another embodiment, as shown by Figures 25-26, a flexible substrate is used to form the folded-up panels 311, which is fixed to the inner side of the formed plastic tray 300, and the panel 312 , which is folded behind a panel 311 and can optionally be fixed to the panel 311 by any appropriate means. The folding line between panels 311 and 312 can also be punctured to provide removal of panel 312 by the user. An alternative compact is represented by the embodiment of Figure 27, which has a formed plastic tray 400 having a single container 410 and a cover 405 hingedly connected to the plastic tray 400 formed by a movable joint 406. The plastic tray 400 formed includes a circular collar 408 defined by a notch 414 around a rectangular container 410, and the recessed regions 403, 409 that create the access points. The cover 405 is spherical in its general shape, having a edge 413 that fits into the notch 414. The cover 405 further includes a cutout 412 that forms a window for viewing inside the package. A panel 411 constructed of a flexible substrate underlies and attaches to the formed plastic tray 400. The invention further comprises a method for packaging, more particularly packaging cosmetic formulations wherein a hot formulation and a cold formulation can be packaged in the same package. The method comprises first forming a package comprised of an outer cover made of a flexible substrate, the outer cover having at least one front panel, a back panel and an articulation panel, the articulation panel is interposed between the front panel and the back panel; and a formed plastic tray attached to the inner surface of the outer cover, the formed plastic tray includes one or more containers. Subsequently, any of a hot or cold cosmetic formulation can be filled into one or more containers in a formed plastic tray. In this way, the containers in a tray can be filled with a hot formulation while the containers in a corresponding shaped plastic tray can be filled with a cold formulation. Alternatively, any of a hot or cold cosmetic formulation may be filled into one or more of the cassettes each sized to fit tightly within a container. The filling order of hot or cold formulations is not critical. Filled cassettes containing the hot or cold formulation can be placed in one or more of the containers immediately after being filled. Advantageously, the presently claimed invention provides a means to pack cold and hot formulations in the same package, which is not possible when the formulation is filled directly into the containers of a compact that is completely molded, where the contents can not be select and fill separately in an efficient way. It is believed that the present invention includes many other modalities that may not be described in detail herein, but may nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the descriptions made. Accordingly, this description should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments. Figures 1-5 illustrate an exemplary container according to the invention. The container is exemplarily illustrated with a first tray 100 and a second tray 111. The two trays 100, 111 are secured together by a substrate 3, 4, 5. The substrate is illustrated and emply with a first panel 3, a panel 4 of articulation and a second panel 5. It will be understood that the trays and the substrate can be formed of any suitable material and configured in numerous ways. It will be understood that the trays or substrate may be partially transparent and that numerous other objects may be secured to the trays, substrate or both. For example, a mirror can be secured to the substrate or tray. A design or reflective image can also be printed on the substrate or tray. For example, a layer of metallic ink may be deposited or a metal foil may be laminated to the substrate or tray.

Exemplary features according to the invention will now be described. The first tray 100 is illustrated with a region 101 of flat surface and side walls 112. Two exemplary and optional cavities 104 are illustrated in the tray 100. It will be understood that the cavities represent examples of a means of storing products but including any Proper configuration, cubes, projections, etc., are within the scope of the invention to include retention CD-ROMs and other media devices. The first tray 100 is also illustrated with optional bevelled edges 117, 118. A recessed edge 103, which forms a recessed region 110, is illustrated along one side of the first tray 100. Optional closure means 105 is also illustrated. An optional extension 102 is illustrated along a portion of the tray 100. It will be understood that the extension 102 can be configured in numerous ways to include the extension along more than one side of the tray 100. A second tray 111 is illustrate exemplarily secured to a second panel 3. The tray 111 is exemplarily illustrated with a flat region 106, side walls 107, and the front wall 114. An exemplary extension 108 is illustrated along the front wall 114. The closure means 109 are exemplaryly illustrated along the extension 108. The second tray 111 also has ledges 115, 119 exemplary. It will be understood that the first and second tray 100, 111 can be secured to the substrate 3, 4 by any suitable means to include, but not be limited to, adhesives, such as glue or heat fusion. It will be understood that the first and second trays 100, 111 may be aligned with each other by any suitable means to include, but not be limited to, a joint panel 4. In an exemplary embodiment, recessed region 110 and extension 108 are configured and aligned with each other in a closed container position (Figure 4). Similarly, the closing means 105, 109 are configured and aligned with the appropriate element in the opposite tray 100, 111. It will be understood that any suitable closure means 105, 109 can be used with the invention. Figure 3 illustrates the container of Figure 2 partially closed. An optional extension 120 is illustrated along the second tray 111. Figure 4 illustrates the container of Figure 2, Figure 6 in a closed position. In an exemplary method, the closure means 109 of the second tray 111 is placed in contact (not visible) with the closure means 105 of the first tray 100 when handling the substrate. In an ideal design, the extensions 115, 119 of the second tray 111 fit tightly with the beveled edges 117, 118 of the first tray 100.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention with a first tray 200 with a simple cavity 204. An exemplary perimeter 208 is illustrated surrounding the cavity 204. The first tray 200 has a flat region 201 with side walls 215 and a front wall 216. A beveled edge 214 with the closure means 203, such as slots, are also illustrated. A second tray 211 is illustrated with a flat region 206, side walls 207 and the front wall 217. A closure means 205, such as tabs, are illustrated along the front wall 217. Extents 202 are illustrated along the portions of the trays 200, 211. It will be understood that the extensions 202 can be configured in numerous ways and be on more than one side of the trays 200, 211. Figure 7 illustrates the container of Figure 6 in a closed configuration. The closing means 205 of the second tray 211 is in contact (not visible) with the closing means 203 of the first tray 200. Figure 7a illustrates another embodiment of the closed container of Figure 6 where the exemplary extensions 202 extend to along at least two sides of the trays 200, 211. The extensions 202 are illustrated extending beyond at least a certain portion of the substrate. The extensions are designated exemplarily to help with the opening and closing of the container.

Figure 8 provides an exploded view of the container of Figure 6. In addition to the elements previously described in the above, the exemplary posts 209 are illustrated in the planar region 201 in the following. The posts 209 can provide structural support to the tray 200. In addition, the posts 209 can help secure the tray 200 to the substrate 5 or assist in the assembly of the container. Figure 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 6 in a closed position. Exemplary configurations of the closing means 203, 205 are illustrated. Preferably, the closure means 205 has a shape that is slightly larger than the closure means 203. In an ideal design, force must be applied to secure and unlock the two locking means 205 together. In addition, post 209 and exemplary cavity 219 are illustrated. The cavity 219 between the two trays 200, 211 can be configured in numerous ways as required by the application of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 219 may retain objects, such as inserts, product samples, or other suitable articles within the container. Figures 18 and 19 illustrate two exemplary objects for the cavity 219. Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary cosmetic application device 10 while Figure 19 illustrates an exemplary small book 11. It will be understood that other digital storage means or devices may be stored in the container, to include electronic article surveillance devices or other means of detecting theft or deterrence. In addition, this additional retention means can be secured to or configured in the tray or substrate to retain such objects within the container. Figure 20 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. A cutout 13 with the perimeter 12 is illustrated in an exemplary panel 3. It will be understood that the cutout 13 may extend either partially or completely through the substrate 3. The cutout 13 may also optionally be covered by a transparent film (not shown) or other suitable protection means. In addition, if the second tray 211 is partially transparent, the interior of the container can be viewed from the outside of the container. It will be understood that more than one cutout 13 along any portion of the substrate and configured in numerous ways are within the scope of the invention. Figure 22 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. A tray 300 is exemplarily illustrated with two regions 305 of separate covers secured to the tray 300 along an exemplary articulation line 308. The cover 305 can be formed integrally with the tray 300 using techniques well known in the art.

Alternatively, the cover 305 can be formed separately and secured to the tray 300 using conventional techniques. The tray 300 is illustrated by a flat region 304, two cavities 314, side walls 301, front wall 302 and two recessed regions 303, 309. The cover 305 has a flat region 306 and cutouts 307 exemplary as described in the above in Figure 20. The wings of the cover 305 are ideally configured and aligned to fit over the cavities 314. Figure 21 illustrates the container of the Figure 22 in a closed position. Figure 23 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. The flat region 304 of the container of Figure 22 is absent and the side walls 315 for the cavities 314 are illustrated. Figure 25 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. The panels 310, 311, 312 are illustrated secured to at least a certain portion of the tray 300. The panels 310, 311, 312 can be configured, bent and secured to the tray 300 in numerous ways. Figure 24 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. Panels 310, 311, 312 are illustrated secured to each other with articulation panels 314, 315. An exemplary tab 316 is illustrated secured to panel 312. In an exemplary embodiment, the panels 310, 311, 312 can be folded (not shown) in various ways so that the tongue 316 can be inserted into the slot 317 in the panel 310. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more panels 310, 311, 312 can having auxiliary features to aid in the removal of panels 311, 312 from tray 300. Figure 28 illustrates another embodiment according to the invention. A tray 400 having a single cavity 410 and a cover 405 secured by a hinge means 406 to the tray 400. The tray 400 includes a perimeter 408 defined by a notch 414 around a rectangular cavity 410. The tray has two exemplary regions 403, 409 recessed. The cover 405 has a border 413 that is exemplary configured for the notch 414. The cover 405 optionally includes a cutout 412. A panel 411 is exemplarily secured to the tray 400. The invention further comprises a method for packaging cosmetics using packaging methods in hot and cold for the same container. The method comprises forming a container as described in the foregoing. Subsequently, any hot or cold cosmetic is placed in the container. A second hot or cold cosmetic is then optionally placed in the container. Alternatively, a cosmetic can be filled into one or more cassettes that are dimensioned to fit within the cavities in the container. It will be understood that the placing order of the hot or cold cosmetics in the container is not critical, but can be optimized according to the packaging operation. It is believed that the invention includes many other modalities that can not be described in detail herein, but can nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the descriptions made. Accordingly, this description should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A container characterized in that it comprises: complementary panels joined together folded along an articulation member; at least one tray adapted to receive at least one article, attached to a respective one of the complementary panels; and locking mechanism for selectively retaining the complementary panels in face-to-face relationship with each other.
2. A container characterized in that it comprises: complementary panels joined together folded along an articulation member; the complementary trays attached to the respective complementary panels arranged for alignment with each other when the complementary panels are bent in face-to-face relation to each other, at least one of the complementary trays adapted to receive at least one object; and fixing mechanism for selectively retaining the complementary trays in face-to-face relationship with each other. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the complementary trays includes a compartment. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the complementary trays include respective compartments arranged to form a cavity when the complementary trays are arranged in face-to-face relation to each other. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing mechanism comprises complementary trays having respective coupling members adapted to be received cooperatively with each other when the complementary trays are propelled in face-to-face relation to each other. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that the respective coupling members comprise complementary trays having corresponding male and female coupling elements. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that it also comprises gripping elements to facilitate the separation of the complementary trays from the face-to-face relationship. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that the gripping elements comprise at least one of the complementary trays having a recessed region. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that the gripping elements comprise at least one of the complementary trays having at least one tongue extending along a respective edge of the complementary tray. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the complementary trays have a tongue extending along each respective non-articulated perimeter edge.