US20060226164A1

US20060226164A1 - Compact with concealed compartment

Info

Publication number: US20060226164A1
Application number: US11/402,691
Authority: US
Inventors: Marsha Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-11
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2006-10-12
Also published as: WO2006110839A3; WO2006110839A2

Abstract

A cosmetic compact having two or more storage areas for carrying cosmetics and other non-cosmetic items. The compact has a first storage enclosure for cosmetics, a second storage enclosure located interiorly of the first enclosure and a lid or cover member of the first enclosure. A second lid or cover member is provided on the second enclosure. First and second hinges are provided at the rear of each enclosure respectively for opening and closing each lid when access to the contents of each enclosure is desired. The structure of the compact can be in the form of two receptacles, one inside of the other or take an elongated form having two side-by-side receptacles with one receptacle having a cover or lid to conceal the contents.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/670,301, filed Apr. 11, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a woman's compact which also includes a concealed compartment containing items such as condoms and the like. A compact for cosmetics generally comprises a receptacle for receiving cosmetics and a cover or lid with a mirror secured to the interior side of the cover. The lid and receptacle has a clasp which is engaged to secure the lid to the receptacle on the closed position and thereby prevent spillage of the contents such as powder, lipstick, brushes, etc. The present invention utilizes this configuration and provides in addition a concealed storage area for receiving other non-cosmetic items such as condoms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The compact according to the present invention is designed to look like a conventional compact with high style, luxurious designs as part of the appearance treatment of the compact. The compact is designed to carry one or more condoms in a concealed or hidden compartment. This compartment is provided to protect the integrity of the condoms while at the same time providing privacy and discretion for the user. The first compartment of the compact can be a functioning cosmetic compact using a mirror in the lid and providing one or more spaces for lipsticks, perfumes and other accessories. The second or concealed compartment is used for the storage of non-cosmetic items.
In use the customer opens a first cover of the compact to reveal a mirror in a first compartment. Other contents may be present such as the normal cosmetics which are carried in a woman's compact. Beneath the first compartment, the case has a second cover which can be raised to provide access to a hidden compartment below which contain the condoms. In all cases, the compact is designed with an artistic and stylish exterior appearance so that it is attractive enough for anyone to carry as an accessory in a purse or other suitable pouch just as a user would do with a conventional brush compact or other cosmetic container.
The primary function of the case is to allow the user to carry items such as condoms in a discreet manner. In all of its aspects, the case appears to be a conventional compact for make-up, but includes a hidden compartment, the privacy of the user is maintained while at the same time providing the user with the availability of condoms for the specific needs of the user and the activities which the user may be engaged in.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic case comprising a first storage enclosure and a second storage enclosure located interiorly of the first enclosure. A first lid movable relative to the first enclosure between open and close positions for receiving cosmetics is provided. A second lid is attached to the second enclosure, the first enclosure having space above the second enclosure for locating items which are readily accessible when the first lid is in its open position, but are inaccessible when the lid is in its closed position. The second enclosure extends beneath the first enclosure for receiving and removably securing a packaged item in position. The invention being characterized in that the second enclosure is hidden and not visible when the first lid is opened
In another aspect, the invention provides a cosmetic package comprising a base unit having a first upper storage compartment, a second lower storage compartment and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A first lid movable relative to the base unit between open and closed positions is provided, the first compartment for receiving cosmetics, the second lower compartment for receiving at least one sealed package. A second lid is located interiorly of the base unit covering the second compartment, the first compartment having space for locating items which are readily accessible when the first lid is in the open position but are inaccessible when the lid is in the closed position. The second lower compartment has a space extending beneath the second lid for receiving and removably securing in position a packaged item with the invention being characterized in that the contents of the second compartment are concealed and not visible when the first lid is opened. The packaged item in the second compartment is maintained in secrecy and is undetectable when the first lid is lifted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the compact case according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG.
FIG. 3 is sectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a detail view of a first exterior and a second interior hinge of the compact case according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compact case according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a detail view of an insert attached to the exterior cover of the compact case.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case with the first lid open.
FIG. 8 is a detail view of a internal hinge for the second lid.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the compact case according to the invention with the second lid opened revealing the packaged contents in the interior of the compact stored in the second manually concealed compartment.
FIG. 10 is plan view of an alternate embodiment of the compact case according to the present invention with the primary cover opened.
FIG. 11 is another plan view of an alternate embodiment of the compact case according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A plan view of the compact according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown therein, the invention comprises a compact 10 comprising an outer case 12, a clasp 14 at the front of the case and a pair of hinges 16 at the rear of the case. As shown in FIG. 1, an insert 18 is mounted interiorly of the cover which has a decorative pattern imparted thereto to provide the look of a conventional compact to the package. In one embodiment of the invention, the outer case 12 is fabricated of clear acrylic.
A section view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. Compact 10 is shown in elevation including the outer case 12 which comprises a base compartment 20 and a cover 22. One of the hinges 16 for cover 22 is also shown in FIG. 2. A second case is located interiorly of case 12. Case 15 comprises a lid or cover 24 and a receptacle 17 which comprises the inner secret compartment for holding condoms 21 and the like. Insert 18 is also shown in FIG. 2 affixed to the interior side of cover 22.
A sectional view of the compact according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, a view taken along lines of B-B of FIG. 1 to illustrate one of the pair of exterior hinges 16 for cover 22. One of the hinges 16 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. As seen therein hinge 16 is connected to cover 22 and allows this cover to be pivoted and raised upwardly to reveal a mirror 26 which is provided on the interior side of insert 18. FIG. 4 also illustrates a second hinge 26 which is a hinge for the inner cover 24 which is opened to reveal the contents contained within the second or concealed compartment.
The compact according to the present invention is further illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 5 wherein the compact 10 is shown comprising outer case 12, lid 22, clasp 14 and insert 18. FIG. 6 a partial detail of the outer appearance of an interchangeable insert into the top cover showing a crystal design to carry out the decorative and aesthetically pleasing design of a woman's compact. Other designs as well as company logos are contemplated as possible alternate designs for the insert.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view according to the present invention with the outer cover 12 raised revealing a mirror 26 on the underside of insert 18 and an inner case 15 is shown in place inside outer case 12 with the cover 24 closed. FIG. 8 shows the detail of hinge 26 of the inner cover 24 in the closed position.
When cover 24 is raised, the contents within the inner compartment are revealed and accessible. This is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9. Cover 12 is raised and pivoted past the vertical and subsequently cover 24 is raised to an approximate 80° angle to allow easy access to the contents of compartment 25.
A first alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10 in a plan view. A compact 40 comprises a case 42 having two side-by- side compartments 44, 46. Compartment 44 is provided to receive cosmetics such as face powder and cosmetic appliances such as a blush applicator 45. Spring clips 47 hold application 45 in place. A cover 48 is connected to case 42 by hinges 50. Attached to the underside of cover 48 is a mirror 52. A second cover 54 is provided covering compartment 46. Cover 54 conceals the contents of compartment 46 maintaining privacy for the user when cover 48 is opened to gain access to the cosmetics. Cover 54 is connected to compartment 46 by hinges 56 and a clasp 58 is provided to secure cover 54 to case 42 until the user desires to gain access to the contents.
A second alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11, a plan view similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment compartment 58 is provided with protruding sides to provide a friction fit for a lipstick holder or a perfume vial 59. Adjacent compartment 58 is a second compartment 60 having a cover 62 connected by hinges 64 to the body of case 66. Covered compartment 60 provides a concealed receptacle for packaged items such as a condom. A mirror 68 is mounted in the interior of cover 12.

Claims

1. A cosmetics case comprising a first storage enclosure, a second storage enclosure located interiorly of the first enclosure, a first lid movable relative to the first enclosure between open and closed positions, a second lid attached to the second enclosure, the first enclosure having space above the second enclosure for locating items which are readily accessible when the first lid is in its open position but are inaccessible when the lid is in its closed position, the second lower enclosure extending beneath the first enclosure for receiving and removably securing in position a packaged item, characterized in that the contents of the second enclosure is hidden and not visible when the first lid is open such that the packaged item in the second enclosure is maintained in secrecy and is undetectable until the second lid is lifted.

2. A case according to claim 1 including a first set of hinges for connecting the first lid to the first enclosure.

3. A case according to claim 2 including a clasp for securing the first lid to the first enclosure in the closed position.

4. A case according to claim 1 including a second set of hinges for connecting the second lid to the second enclosure in the interior of the first enclosure.

5. A case according to claim 4 wherein the second set of hinges are completely enclosed interiorly of the first enclosure.

6. A case according to claim 4 including a clasp for securing the second lid to the second enclosure.

7. A case according to claim 2 including a mirror attached to the interior side of the first lid.

8. A cosmetics package comprising a first case, a second case located interiorly of the first compartment, a first lid movable relative to the first case between open and closed positions for receiving cosmetics, the second case for receiving at least one package, a second lid attached to the second case, the first case having space above the second case for locating items which are readily accessible when the first lid is in its open position but are inaccessible when the lid is in its closed position, the second case accompanying a fraction of the volume of the first case for receiving and removably securing the packaged item, characterized in that the contents of the second case is hidden and not visible when the first lid is open such that the packaged item in the second enclosure is maintained in secrecy and is undetectable until the second lid is lifted.

9. A package according to claim 8 including a first set of hinges for connecting the first lid to the first case.

10. A package according to claim 9 including a clasp for securing the lid to the first case in the closed position.

11. A package according to claim 8 including a second set of hinges for connecting the second lid to the second case.

12. A package according to claim 11 wherein the second set of hinges are completely enclosed interiorly of the first case.

13. A package according to claim 11 including a clasp for securing the second lid to the second case.

14. A package according to claim 9 including a mirror attached to the interior side of the first lid.

15. A cosmetics case comprising a base unit having a hinged cover, a first storage area, a second storage area located adjacent the first area, a lid enclosure movable relative to the second storage area between open and closed positions, wherein cosmetics are stored in the first storage area and wherein at least one package is stored in the second storage area such that the cosmetics are readily accessible when the hinged cover is in its open position, the second storage area extending alongside the first area for receiving and removably securing in position a packaged item, characterized in that the contents of the contents in the second closed area is hidden and not visible when the hinged cover is open such that the packaged item in the second area is maintained in secrecy and is undetectable until the lid closure is opened.

16. A case according to claim 14 including a set of hinges for connecting the lid closure to the base unit.

17. A case according to claim 15 including a clasp for securing the lid closure to the base unit.

18. A case according to claim 14 including a third storage area for receiving a cosmetics applicator.

19. A case according to claim 17 wherein the third storage is configured to receive a cosmetic applicator.

20. A case according to claim 14 including a mirror attached to the interior side of the hinged cover.

21. A case according to claim 19 wherein the packaged item is a condom package.