US20150075555A1

US20150075555A1 - Cosmetic compact system with a magnifying mirror

Info

Publication number: US20150075555A1
Application number: US14/446,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Ann Wheaton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2015-03-19

Abstract

A multi-functional, multi-layer compact for cosmetics, including a base for holding cosmetic material and a cover hingedly connected to the base in clam-shell manner with an inwardly facing mirror mounted in a portion of the cover so as to provide a convex magnifying lens. The compact mirror case provides a convex mirror function. In the multifunctional compact mirror of the invention, the plane mirror is set in a mirror frame within an upper housing and facing opposite the cosmetic product. The upper housing or cover is coupled to the lower portion or base at a hinged joint and has a fastener to secure the upper and lower housing portions in a closed position. Preferably, the multi-functional compact of the invention is also multi-layered having one or more side drawers positioned therein for housing additional cosmetic products. In addition, each product well or area may comprise multiple rectangular wells or areas to increase the variety of cosmetics available for use in a single compact.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 61/877,370 filed Sep. 13, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated fully by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to multi-functional compacts for cosmetics and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a parallelepiped-type (generally 6-sided-type) multi-functional compact with a magnifying mirror in which the compact has upper and lower housing portions that open in a clam-like manner about a hinge, wherein the upper portion houses the magnifying mirror and the lower portion houses one or more cosmetic products.
For illustration purposes, the present invention is described herein as embodied in compacts for cosmetics, it being understood, however, that its broader aspects the invention is not limited thereto but may also be embodied in compacts for containing other types of materials.
2. Description of the Related Art
Compacts are commonly referred to as portable containers for housing many cosmetics materials, including face powders, foundations, eye shadows, blushes, and some lipsticks and mascaras. Conventional compacts include a base formed as a tray with one or more upwardly open recesses for holding the cosmetic material in compressed or like stable condition, and a cover for overlying the base and enclosing the tray to prevent the contents from drying out, becoming contaminated, spilling, or soiling outside objects. One or more brushes, pads such as powder puffs or other implements for applying the cosmetics may also be placed within the compact between the base and cover.
Typically, the base and cover are molded of plastic or formed of metal, and are hinged together along one side of the compact, a manually operable latch being provided on the other side to hold them in closed position. The compact is dimensioned to be held in the hand, and may be square, rectangular, oval, circular, or of other regular or irregular shape. To apply the contained cosmetics, the user opens the compact, draws an applying implement (or a finger) across the cosmetic material held in a recess of the base tray to pick up some of the material, and conveys it on the implement to the appropriate facial area.
Generally, a compact comprises a flat non-magnifying portable mirror which allows a user, particularly, a woman, views his/her face while making up the face indoors or outdoors, and thereby has a small size to be easily carried by the user within a handbag, a suitcase, or a pocket of a garment. Conventionally, a mirror is provided within the inwardly facing surface of the cover so as to be visible by a user when the compact is open and the user is applying the cosmetic material to the face. Thus, the user can easily and accurately apply the cosmetic when no external mirror is available. The disposition of the mirror within the compact cover is an important feature of convenience in that it enables the user to hold and position both the exposed body of cosmetic material and the mirror in one hand while employing the other hand to manipulate the applicator.
When a user needs to view partial areas of his/her face, such as the eyebrows, while magnifying the partial areas of the face during making up the face, the user wants to use a convex mirror. However, the conventional convex mirrors are produced at high costs, and are provided separately—typically with a separate handle, wall mount or counter-support mount, thus increasing the production costs of such items and rendering them unusable in ‘compact form.’ Typically it is known that conventional compact mirror cases and/or the cases of a variety of makeup compacts, such as pressed powder compacts, powder blusher compacts, cake mascara compacts, and eyeshadow compacts.
Moreover, because the conventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts are small-sized to be easily carried by users and are typically equipped with plane mirrors, the users only view their faces on the limited reflection surfaces of the plane mirrors. Thus, the conventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts are not multifunctional.
In conventional compacts containing mirrors, the plane mirrors installed have limited sizes of reflection surfaces, thus forcing a user to place the mirror at a position relatively far away from his/her face when the user needs to view his/her entire face reflected on the mirror. However, the user cannot clearly view the face since the image of the face focused on the mirror is too small.
Thus, when the user paints and/or powders partial areas of his/her face, such as the eye rims, the eyebrows or the lips, the user needs to view the partial areas of the face on the mirror while magnifying the partial areas to carefully make up the partial areas. In such a case, the user must repeatedly and alternately place the mirror at positions close to a partial area of the face to clearly view the partial area to be painted or powdered and at positions relative far away from the face to view the entire face to check the painted or powdered partial area with the other areas of the face, or alternatively divert their gaze to a conventional magnifying mirror-in a wall, counter, or floor mount type. The conventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts are thus inconvenient to use.
Also, it is often desirable to package a compact in a manner enabling retail customers to view the contained cosmetic material at the point of sale without exposing the material to contamination such as can occur if a compact is opened at a store by a prospective purchaser. Accordingly, the compact may be sealed in a transparent plastic film, e.g., in a blister package, with the cover opened to lie flat with the base so that the contents of the compact are clearly visible through the blister film.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case that overcomes the detriments seen in the known prior compact cases. There is a further need for an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case having a dual-layer base construction with a pull out side drawer including only a single magnifying mirror and a lie flat hinge assembly. There is also a need for an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case that has multiple compartments or wells for housing a plurality of products, and having a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely closing the compact when not in use.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, provided is a compact for holding cosmetic products comprising a base having a first product housing region for housing one or more cosmetic products, a cover hingedly connected to the base, and a side drawer slidably mounted in the base, wherein the side drawer comprises a second product housing region, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the cover carries an inwardly-facing mirror removably mounted on the inner surface by a removable frame member. The compact according to the invention has a cover carrying a detent that engages a protrusion positioned on the base to secure the base and the cover in a closed position, wherein the detent comprises at least one rib formed integrally with the cover to lock the cover in a closed position when the cover is moved from an open position into the closed position. Preferably, the minor is a single magnifying mirror and the compact has a generally square configuration. The cover has an extended closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion on the base for securing the compact in a closed position. Also, the first and/or second product housing regions may comprise more than one rectangular or other shaped product wells. Also preferably, at least one of the cover portion and the base portion is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Optionally, the cover may comprise a window through which the cosmetic product can be viewed when the cover and the base are in a closed position.
In another embodiment of the invention provided is a compact comprising a case body having an inner frame to form a fitting groove to hold a first product well for containing a first cosmetic product, a cover having an inner mirror frame to form a fitting groove to hold a mirror, and a hinge assembly for movably interconnecting the cover to the case body, the hinge assembly coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts of the case body to form a hinged joint around which the cover is opened or closed relative to the case body. Preferably, at least one of the cover portion and the base portion is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body is preferably provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each spaced apart from one another to define a space between the hinge holders, with hinge shafts provided on inside surfaces of the hinge holders extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of a hinge hole formed in the upper housing member, and forming a hinge joint around which the cover portion is opened or closed relative to the base portion.
The present invention provides a compact for holding cosmetics in a square shape, including one or more wells for cosmetics and/or tools for application of same. The compact according to the present invention preferably opens and closes in a clam-like manner having a hinge assembly at the back end thereof and preferably a snap-fit closure at the front end thereof. Optionally, rectangle shapes having square-like corners may also be used. The cosmetic container according to the present invention preferably has only one magnifying mirror recessed in the top cover or upper housing portion. Depending on the product, e.g., eye, lip or face make-up, multiple product wells or areas may be used, but not more than one simple magnifying mirror. Preferably, the singular magnifying mirror has a magnification strength of approximately 2-3 times the normal. Of course, lesser or greater strength mirrors may also be used in conjunction with the present invention. Room exists left in the upper portion to expand to a greater strength mirror. The simple mirror compact assembly and system improves upon complicated prior systems that include interchangeable mirrors or multiple mirrors, which make manufacturing and distribution very difficult and expensive. Modification of the compact from the prior complex multi-mirror systems to a simple compact with a singular mirror allows for greater flexibility with respect to the choice of cosmetic products provided. Preferably, in one embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the present invention provides a square single layer compact, for example, for use with blush or wet foundation.
In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the present invention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic compact case bottom or lower portion having a pull-out drawer position therein for housing additional cosmetic product(s), for example, for use with concealing foundation with an applicator sponge.
In yet another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the present invention provides a square single layer compact having multiple product wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or more smaller rectangular wells), for example, for use with 2-color eyebrow or 2 color concealer pack, or 3 shades of eye shadow, or even 4 or more.
In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to the present invention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic compact case bottom or lower portion having a pull-out drawer position therein for housing additional cosmetic product(s) each of the layers having multiple product wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or more smaller rectangular wells), for example, for use with 2-color eyebrow or 2 color concealer pack, or 3 shades of eye shadow, or even 4 or more.
As shown and described herein, the cosmetic compact according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a deep base closure to facilitate a longer top (male/female) closure. Preferably, the compact is configured in a square shape with slightly rounded edges to prevent cracking, although other rectangular-base shapes may be used. Within the base or lower portion of the cosmetic compact, there is provided a semi-permanently attached cosmetic well for housing a cosmetic product. There is also provided a deep internal return system within the upper well or frame of the compact to allow for the upper magnifying mirror having a slight concave configuration and a mirror frame. Preferably, there is provided an extended top closure portion on the upper housing portion for secure closing of the upper portion with the lower portion in view of the extra deep mirror portion and product base or lower housing portion. Preferably, the inner frames for securing the mirror and product wells appear invisible to allow for securing the magnifying mirror and/or product wells as well as making rounded edges still appear square. There is provided a cut out hinge system that allows for clam-like opening and closing of the cosmetic compact according to the invention. Preferably, the lower interior frame aligns the product well with the compact's upper portion. Also preferably, a pull out side drawer is provided for housing additional cosmetic product(s). This is an improvement over the existing compacts in that rather than a bottom drawer, which is very difficult and cumbersome to use while applying makeup, a side drawer provides simple and convenient access to the product positioned therein. Such a drawer will have a square shape finish such that its corners will match the corners of the upper and lower housing portions of the compact to essentially hide the drawer therein.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a new and improved cosmetic material container of the type comprising a compact. A particular object is to provide such a container providing a size or area of inwardly-facing simple mirror on the cover of the compact providing a significant mirror-magnification to allow efficient and accurate make-up application. Another object is to provide an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case having a dual-layer base construction with a pull out side drawer including only a single magnifying mirror, a lie flat hinge assembly, multiple compartments or wells for housing a plurality of products, and a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely closing the compact when not in use.
To these and other ends, the present invention broadly contemplates the provision of a compact for holding cosmetics or the like, including a base for containing a quantity of cosmetic material, and a cover hingedly connected to the base and having an extended area with an inner surface and an outer surface, disposed in a first portion of the extended area, and an inwardly-facing magnifying mirror, mounted on the inner surface. As a further feature of the invention, in currently preferred embodiments, the cover carries a latch mechanism that engages a receiving portion on a second lower housing portion or base to retain the cover in a closed position. The detent may comprise at least one rib formed integrally with the cover or lower housing portion or base.
The present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional compact mirror case, of which an upper case body seats, in a frame seating well thereof, a mirror frame having upper and lower portions, and in which the upper surface and a lower surface are concave and convex to form a concave lens part and a convex lens part, or convex or concave to form a convex lens part and a concave lens part, respectively, thus allowing a user to use a concave mirror function formed by both the concave lens part, and which allows the user to view his/her face on the upper plane mirror when the lid is open from the case body. This is thus efficiently used by the user outdoors while traveling, such as traveling on business, or indoors, such as in an office room. In the compact according to the invention, a transparent window may optionally be provided in the cover to enable point-of-purchase viewing of the contents of the compact with the compact in a closed position, while a replaceable mirror, initially underlying the cosmetic product, for example, leaves the window unobstructed, can be readily installed upon first use of the compact. A magnifying mirror use in combination with the construction is the most commonly envisioned use of the present invention, but nothing herein will so limit the invention to that most common use.
To achieve the above objects, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-functional and/or multi-layered cosmetic compact mirror case, comprising a base having a first product housing region for housing one or more cosmetic products, a cover hingedly connected to the base, and a side drawer slidably mounted in the base, wherein the side drawer comprises a second product housing region, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the cover carries an inwardly-facing mirror removably mounted on the inner surface by a removable frame member.
The compact described herein provides improved magnification with simplified design and fewer components. These characteristics are particularly advantageous in a variety of compacts for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, having a dual-layer base construction with a pull out side drawer including only a single magnifying mirror, having a lie flat hinge assembly, having multiple compartments or wells for housing a plurality of products, and having a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely closing the compact when not in use.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a compact that addresses the concerns and deficiencies in prior designs, and which is still functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dual-layer cosmetic compact depicted in an open configuration in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top right front perspective view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a single-layer cosmetic compact depicted in an open configuration in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a top right front perspective view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, etc., or motional terms, such as forward, back, sideways, transverse, etc. may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
Referring first to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of the multi-layer or dual-layer compact 100 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, depicted in an open configuration. As illustrated, compact 100 is of a generally square (or rectangular) plan configuration, dimensioned to be held in a user's hand, for holding a cosmetic material such as powder, blush, mascara, foundation, or the like, for application to the face. The compact 100 includes a base 11 preferably formed or provided with a side drawer 13 that houses a product well or housing region 14, and a cover 5 is hingedly connected to the base 11 and has an extended area 8 with opposed inner and outer surfaces, i.e., surfaces respectively facing toward and away from the interior of the compact 100 when the cover 5 is in closed position overlying the base 11. The cover 5 may optionally carry a transparent window (not shown) disposed in the top surface 19 of the cover 5 to enable a prospective end user to view the color (shade) of the contained cosmetic, e.g. at a point-of-purchase display, without opening the compact, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror 6, mounted in the inner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5. More particularly, in the compact of FIGS. 1-8 the base 11 and cover 5 are of identical square (or rectangular) plan diameter (though they may differ in depth), interconnected along one edge portion by a hinge assembly 10 and provided on an opposite edge portion with a latch assembly (comprising cover extended portion 8 having a recess or detent, and base closure portion 1 having a protrusion 15) for securing the cover 5 in closed position on the base 11. The hinge and latch may be entirely conventional in structure, function and location.
The base 11 and cover 5 are substantially rigid and are self-sustaining in shape. They may be fabricated in a generally conventional manner of materials conventionally used for such purposes, such as, transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic. Conveniently, the cover 5 is a molded element, with an optional aperture in which a window (itself typically a molded transparent plastic member) is fixedly assembled so as to constitute an effectively integral part of the cover for enclosing the cosmetic-containing interior of the compact. The base is also an element molded of opaque plastic. Optionally, such a window may comprise a two-way mirror (i.e., substantially reflective in a first direction and substantially transparent in a second direction.
In accordance with the invention, the cosmetic-holding well or portion 3 of the base 11 may include a molded plastic element or inner frame 17 fixedly mounted, for example, by snap fitting in the interior of the base 11 to define well 3, opening upwardly within the interior of the compact, for holding a quantity of cosmetic material or other product. Alternatively, the base 11 may be a single-piece base which has no holding well 3 but rather is capable to hold the cosmetic material. Also, since the compact is ordinarily carried by a user with the cover member 5 closed and latched over the base member 11 so as to enclose the contained cosmetics, the compact 100 must be opened to expose the cosmetic-holding recess 3 to allow access to the cosmetic material. Thus, the user then removes a portion of a the contained cosmetic material with, for example, an applicator tool (e.g., a powder puff or like pad, brush or other implement), or a finger, and applies the cosmetic to his/her face. To facilitate such operation, the hinge assembly 10 permits the cover 5 to move, in opening, through an angle of at least about 90° relative to the base 11. Preferably, however, the cover 5 is movable to a full-open position at an angle of 180° relative to the base 11.
The cover 5, as seen in FIGS. 1-8, preferably has the shape of a shallow square inverted pan with a planar lip or edge flange extending inwardly (i.e., toward the interior of the compact 100) entirely around the circumference of the cover 5. Thus, the cover 5 may be considered to have a recessed planar inner surface facing the interior of the compact 100. The inwardly facing mirror 6 occupies substantially the entire area of the inner surface of the cover 5. The proximate edges of the mirror 6 lie along a line parallel to the width of the cover 5. It will be appreciated that these specific features of configuration and arrangement are merely illustrative and are nonlimiting. Advantageously, one or more ribs may be molded into the extended portion 8 of the cover 5 to engage and lock the cover 5 with the base 11 in a closed position.
For the initial use of the compact 100, the user unlatches and opens the compact 100, exposing the interior of the cover 5 and base 11 as shown in FIG. 1. In a generally extended position, the reflective surface of the magnifying mirror 6 faces inwardly so that substantially the entire inner surface area of the cover 5 of compact 100 becomes a usable mirror. That is to say, once cover 5 has been rotated into an extended position, the area of the mirror 6 is viewable to constitute the mirror area available for use in applying the contained cosmetic. While the mirror 6 is preferably a magnifying mirror, it may nonetheless be, for example, an ordinary (non-magnifying) mirror.
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, provided is compact 100 comprising a base 11 having a first product housing region 3 for housing one or more cosmetic products, a cover 5 hingedly connected to the base 11, and a side drawer 13 slidably mounted in the base 11, wherein the side drawer 13 comprises a second product housing region 14, wherein the cover 5 has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the cover 5 carries an inwardly-facing mirror 6 removably mounted on the inner surface by a removable frame member 9. The cover 5 of compact 100 according to the invention has a detent that engages a protrusion 15 positioned on the base 11 to secure the base 11 and the cover 5 in a closed position, wherein the detent optionally comprises at least one rib formed integrally with the cover 5 to lock the cover 5 in a closed position when the cover 5 is moved from an open position into the closed position.
Preferably, the mirror 6 is a single magnifying mirror and the compact 100 has a generally square configuration. The cover 5 has an extended closure member 8 with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion 15 on the base 11 for securing the compact 100 in a closed position. Also, the first and/or second product housing regions 3/14 may comprise more than one rectangular or other shaped product wells. Also preferably, at least one of the cover portion 5 and the base portion 11 is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Optionally, the cover 5 may comprise a window through which the cosmetic product can be viewed when the cover 5 and the base 11 are in a closed position.
As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, which show bottom, front and side plan views of the compact shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, side drawer portion 13 is preferably of a size and shape consistent with the size and shape of the base 11. Alternatively, more than one side drawer 13 may be used, either vertically one on top of the other, or horizontally side by side with each other. Preferably, side drawer 13 has ends 12 for ease in opening and closing drawer 13 during use.
Turning next to FIGS. 3-8, shown are various views of the compact 100 shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, cover 5 and base 11 are preferably consistent in size and shape. It is preferred that the overall shape of the compact 100 is square but that each cover corner 7 and base corner 2 are rounded and matching for easy and safe handling of the compact 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, shown is a perspective view of a single-layer compact 110 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, depicted in an open configuration. As illustrated, alternative compact 110 is also of a generally square (or rectangular) plan configuration, dimensioned to be held in a user's hand, for holding a cosmetic material such as powder, blush, mascara, foundation, or the like, for application to the face. The compact 110 includes a base 11 preferably formed or provided with a product well or housing region 3, and a cover 5 that is hingedly connected to the base 11. As with compact 100, the alternative compact 110 has an extended area 8 with opposed inner and outer surfaces, i.e., surfaces respectively facing toward and away from the interior of the compact 110 when the cover 5 is in closed position overlying the base 11. The cover 5 may optionally carry a transparent window (not shown) disposed in the top surface 19 of the cover 5, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror 6, mounted in the inner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5. More particularly, in the compact of FIGS. 9-16 the base 11 and cover 5 are of identical square (or rectangular) plan diameter (though they may differ in depth), interconnected along one edge portion by a hinge assembly 10 and provided on an opposite edge portion with a latch assembly (comprising cover extended portion 8 having a recess or detent, and base closure portion 1 having a protrusion 15) for securing the cover 5 in closed position on the base 11. The hinge and latch may be entirely conventional in structure, function and location.
In this alternative embodiment of the present invention provided is a compact 110 comprising a case body 11 having an inner frame 17 to form a fitting groove to hold a first product well 3 for containing a first cosmetic product, a cover 5 having an inner mirror frame 9 to form a fitting groove to hold a mirror 6, and a hinge assembly 10 for movably interconnecting the cover 5 to the case body 11. The hinge assembly 10 is preferably coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts 4 of the case body 11 to form a hinged joint around which the cover 5 is opened or closed relative to the case body 11. Preferably, at least one of the cover portion 5 and the base portion 11 of compact 110 is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body 11 is preferably provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each spaced apart from one another to define a space between the hinge holders, with hinge shafts 4 provided on inside surfaces of the hinge holders extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of a hinge hole formed in the upper housing member, and forming a hinge joint around which the cover portion 5 is opened or closed relative to the base portion 11.
Lastly, referring to FIGS. 11-16 show various views of the compact 110 shown in FIG. 9 but in a closed configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, cover 5 and base 11 of the alternative compact 110 are preferably consistent in size and shape. It is preferred that the overall shape of the compact 110 is square but that each cover corner 7 and base corner 2 are rounded and matching for easy and safe handling of the compact 110.
In yet a further alternative and adaptive system (not shown in the drawings) a lip makeup assembly is provided, in the form of a lipstick tube (rectangular or circular container for lipstick cosmetic makeup), one side may be provided with a magnifying mirror as discussed herein. Such a magnifying mirror on the side of a lipstick tube assembly may be on the lipstick cap-cover portion of such a system or alternatively on the holding-non-cap-cover portion of such a system. Preferably, and while not departing from the scope of the present invention, the magnifying mirror would be on the cover-cap portion of the lipstick tube assembly so that a user may position the cover-cap portion with one hand, while applying the lipstick cosmetic using the other hand (holding the non-cap-cover portion. This embodiment is not shown in the figures, but one of skill in the art will readily appreciate the same without need to refer to a drawing. In another alternative lip cosmetic embodiment, a rectangular lipstick cosmetic cover is formed as a parallel piped, having a magnifying mirror on one side extending substantially all of one side and substantially flush therewith for convenience (but not limited thereto).

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

- 1 base closure portion
- 2 base corner or lower housing portion corner
- 3 first product well or portion
- 4 hinge rod
- 5 upper housing portion or cover
- 6 magnifying mirror
- 7 cover corner or upper housing portion corner
- 8 extended top closure
- 9 mirror inner frame
- 10 hinge assembly
- 11 lower housing portion or base
- 12 drawer end portion
- 13 side drawer
- 14 second product well or portion
- 15 latch or protrusion
- 16 product inner frame
- 17 product inner frame
- 18 bottom surface
- 19 top surface
- 20 product well outline
- 21 mirror outline
- 100 dual-layer cosmetic compact
- 110 single-layer cosmetic compact

In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.
Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and to provide the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely exemplary and that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the appended claims.
Further, while there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled hi the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compact for holding cosmetic products, said compact comprising:

(a) a base having a first product housing region for housing one or more cosmetic products;

(b) a cover hingedly connected to said base; and

(c) a side drawer slidably mounted in said base;

wherein said side drawer comprises a second product housing region;

wherein said cover has an inner surface and an outer surface; and

wherein said cover carries an inwardly-facing magnifying mirror optionally removably mounted on said inner surface by a removable frame member.

2. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover carries a detent that engages a protrusion positioned on said base to secure said base and said cover in a closed position.

3. The compact according to claim 2, wherein said detent comprises at least one rib formed integrally with said cover.

4. The compact according to claim 2, wherein said detent locks said cover in a closed position when said cover is moved from an open position into said closed position.

5. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a window through which said cosmetic product can be viewed when said cover and said base are in a closed position.

6. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said mirror is a magnifying mirror.

7. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said compact has a generally square configuration.

8. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover has an extended closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion on said base for securing said compact in a closed position.

9. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said second product housing region comprises at least two product wells.

10. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said first product housing region comprises at least two product wells.

11. The compact according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said cover portion and said base portion is made of a material selected from the group consisting of transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.

12. A compact comprising:

a case body having an inner frame to form a fitting groove to hold a first product well for containing a first cosmetic product;

a cover having an inner mirror frame to form a fitting groove to hold a magnifying mirror; and

a hinge assembly for movably interconnecting said cover to said case body, said hinge assembly coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts of said case body to form a hinged joint around which said cover is opened or closed relative to said case body.

13. The compact according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said cover and said case body is made of a material selected from the group consisting of transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.

14. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said case body is provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each spaced apart from one another to define a space between said hinge holders, with hinge shafts provided on inside surfaces of said hinge holders extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of a hinge hole formed in said upper housing member, and forming a hinge joint around which said cover is opened or closed relative to said base portion.

15. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover carries a detent that engages a protrusion positioned on said case body to secure said base and said cover in a closed position.

16. The compact according to claim 15, wherein said detent comprises at least one rib formed integrally with said cover.

17. The compact according to claim 15, wherein said detent locks said cover in a closed position when said cover is moved from an open position into said closed position.

18. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover further comprises a window through which said cosmetic product can be viewed when said cover and said case body are in a closed position.

19. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said mirror is a magnifying mirror.

20. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said compact has a generally square configuration.

21. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover has an extended closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding protrusion on said case body for securing said compact in a closed position.

22. The compact according to claim 12, further comprising:

a side drawer slidably mounted in said case body;

wherein said side drawer comprises a second product well region comprising at least two product wells.

23. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said first product housing region comprises at least two product wells.