US20150216285A1

US20150216285A1 - Container for storing cosmetics

Info

Publication number: US20150216285A1
Application number: US14/171,978
Authority: US
Inventors: Geneva Grainger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-04
Filing date: 2014-02-04
Publication date: 2015-08-06

Abstract

The container system for cosmetics includes a jewelry body, a lid member, a magnetic anchor, and an insert tray. The jewelry body has a chamber with a top end and a bottom end with an aperture extending through the bottom end, and the lid member attaches to the jewelry body to cover the top end of the chamber. In a closed position of the lid member, the container system is a ring, bracelet, necklace, pendant, locket or other piece of jewelry. The magnetic anchor in the bottom end of the chamber magnetically engages the insert tray. The aperture through the chamber and the hole through the magnetic anchor are aligned so that a tool can be inserted through these openings to dislodge the insert tray. Other interchangeable insert trays can be mounted in the chamber for varying the cosmetics stored in the container system.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to containers for cosmetic products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable container to be worn as jewelry. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a portable container system with interchangeable inserts removeably stored in a chamber.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
Containers make cosmetic products portable from store shelves to drawers and organizers in a consumer's home. However, it is also common to carry cosmetics in a purse or handbag for applying and re-applying make-up throughout the day. The display containers used to attract a consumer in the store are usually bulky and flashy. These display containers are acceptable for storage at home in a drawer, which can have plenty of space for organization of the various sizes and shapes and room for several types of cosmetics. However, these display containers are not easy and convenient for everyday portability in a purse. There is a need for a lightweight and discrete container to improve the portability of cosmetic products.
The everyday portable cosmetic products require a lightweight and accessible container. The amount of cosmetic product is usually less than an amount in a display container, so the weight of the cosmetic product itself is less and the required space for holding the cosmetic product is less. Also, discretion is important so that cosmetic product is not so easily to visually detect on an individual's personal appearance.
Jewelry enhances an individual's personal appearance, and some jewelry pieces have functional aspects. For example, some jewelry has structures to hold and release gemstones for different colors or different shapes. The configuration of the jewelry can includes mechanical parts beyond a simple permanent setting. Jewelry is an accessory that is already carried on a person, without requiring a purse or handbag.
Various patents have issued in the field of containers for cosmetics. U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,665, issued to Pires, et al on Dec. 13, 2011, discloses a cosmetics container for storing and applying a cosmetic product. There is a container body having an opening and a double walled cavity and a cap. The cap holds an applicator, so that the cosmetic product can be applied in any location with all tools and cosmetics carried as one.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,000, issued to Lee on Nov. 9, 2010, describes another cosmetic case. The cosmetic case holds smaller trays or casings of different cosmetic products. The casings slide in and out of the case, according to user preferences.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,537, issued to Patterson on Jul. 9, 2013, discloses a jewelry article with a changeable setting. There are two rings and a frame, which can switch positions according to the placement in the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,553, issued to Huynh on Feb. 5, 2013, describes a piece of jewelry for selective display of colored regions hidden beneath a gemstone. The piece has a structure for holding and releasing gemstones displayed on the piece.
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container to store a cosmetic product.
It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a wearable container to store a cosmetic product.
It is still another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a discrete container to store a cosmetic product.
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container to store interchangeable cosmetic products.
It is another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container with removable trays of cosmetic products.
It is still another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container with magnetically removable and replaceable trays of cosmetic products.
It is still another object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container with an aperture for dislodging cosmetic products from the container.
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a portable and wearable container for cosmetic products without visual detection of the cosmetic products.
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a container having an appearance as jewelry.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a container system for cosmetics. The cosmetic products are kept in interchangeable insert trays, and each insert tray can be removeably placed in the container system, according to the desired cosmetic product to be carried in the container system. The container system includes a jewelry body, a lid member, and a magnetic anchor. The jewelry body has a chamber with a top end and a bottom end with an aperture extending through the bottom end. The jewelry body can be various shapes, including a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, and a locket. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are wearable containers for cosmetic products with the appearance of jewelry pieces.
In embodiments of the present invention, the lid member attaches to the jewelry body and covers the top end of the chamber in a closed position. The closed position completes the overall appearance of the container system as a complete jewelry piece. Embodiments of the lid member comprise a lid cover, a hinge means, and a closure means. The hinge means exposes the insert tray within the chamber so that the lid member is in an opened position. The hinge means can pivot above the jewelry body, swivel across the jewelry body, or magnetically engage the jewelry body so as to be completely removable. A corresponding closure means on the lid member is compatible with the hinge means, such as a snap fit connector, friction fit clasp, or another magnetic connector. Any hinge means can be compatible with any closure means, such as a regular hinge and magnetic closure means. The closure means engages the jewelry body for the closed position, covering the insert tray in the chamber.
The container system may also have the magnetic anchor mounted within the bottom end of the chamber. There is a hole in the magnetic anchor aligned with the aperture of the chamber. The hole extends through the magnetic anchor. When the insert tray is removably mounted within the top end of the chamber, the insert tray is magnetically engaged to the magnetic anchor and covers the hole and the aperture of the jewelry body. A tool element, comprised of a tip and a tool body, inserts through the aperture and the hole to contact the bottom of the insert tray. Mechanical force of the tool element breaks the magnetic engagement between the insert tray and the magnetic anchor. With the lid member in the opened position, the insert tray is removed from the chamber. A different insert tray with a different cosmetic product can now be placed in the jewelry body. The container system can hold various cosmetic products in interchangeable insert trays while maintaining the appearance of the same jewelry piece.
Embodiments of the method for assembly of the container system include forming a jewelry body in a shape of a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, a broach, a locket or other jewelry piece. The magnetic anchor is attached to the bottom end of the jewelry body with the aperture in alignment with the hole in the magnetic anchor. An insert tray is placed against the magnetic anchor within the jewelry body, with magnetic engagement of the insert tray to hold the insert tray in place. Access to the insert tray is available with the lid member in the opened position, while the cosmetic product and insert tray are covered with the lid member in the closed position. The closed position completes the shape of the container system as a piece of jewelry.
Others steps of assembly include replacing the insert tray with an interchangeable auxiliary insert tray so as the switch cosmetic products disposed in the container system. In some embodiments, the step of replacing includes inserting a tool element through the aperture of chamber and hole of magnet to contact the insert tray dislodging magnetic engagement between the magnetic anchor and the insert tray by mechanical force of the tool element, removing the insert tray from the jewelry body with the lid member in the opened position, and mounting the new interchangeable auxiliary insert tray on the magnetic anchor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container system of the present invention, showing a lid cover in the opened position without the cosmetic product.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the container system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the container system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another upper perspective view of another embodiment of the container system, showing a different closure means.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the container system, showing a different jewelry body.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container system, showing a different closure means and jewelry body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the container system 10 of the present invention are shown. The container system 10 can be worn as jewelry, and cosmetic products are discretely stored without affecting the aesthetics of the appearance of the jewelry piece shape. The container system 10 provides a portable and easily accessible cosmetic product without requiring an additional article to be carried by the user, such as a purse or clutch. Various cosmetic products can be housed in the container system 10 so that each container system 10 can be customized and adjusted according to preferences of the user.
Embodiments of the container system 10 include a jewelry body 12, a lid member 14, a magnetic anchor 16 and an insert tray 18. FIGS. 1-3 show the jewelry body 12 having a chamber 20 with a top end 22 and a bottom end 24 with an aperture 26 extending through the bottom end 24. The overall shape of the jewelry body 12 can be a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, a locket or other jewelry piece. The jewelry body 12 can be worn by the user as a decorative piece or fashion accessory, and cosmetics within the container system 10 are discretely stored therein. In some embodiments, the chamber 20 is a cylindrical cavity with the top end 22 and the bottom end 24 in two tiers. The top end 22 has a larger diameter than the bottom end 24. The chamber 20 has a shoulder 28 between the top end 22 and the bottom end 24. The embodiments show the chamber 20 round, but the chamber 20 can be any shape compatible with the magnetic anchor 16 and the insert tray 18.
FIGS. 2-3 also show embodiments of the magnetic anchor 16 mounted within the bottom end 24 of the chamber 20. The magnetic anchor 16 sits within the bottom end 24, and the magnetic anchor 16 is made integral with the chamber 20. An adhesive on the face of the magnetic anchor 16 facing the bottom end 24 can attach the magnetic anchor 16 to the bottom end 24 of the chamber 20. If the chamber 20 is made of metal, then the magnetic force of the magnetic anchor 16 may also engage the chamber 20. Alternatively, the magnetic anchor 16 can be friction fit or snap fit into the bottom end 24 of the chamber 20. The magnetic anchor 16 is intended to remain in the chamber 20 as a solid support for the insert tray 18. In the FIGS. 2-3, the magnetic anchor 16 fits in the smaller diameter bottom end 24 and sets flush with the shoulder 28 of the top end 22. The insert tray 18 rests on the magnetic anchor 16 and the shoulder 28. The embodiments of the magnetic anchor 16 have a hole 30 aligned with the aperture 26 of the chamber 20. The hole 30 extends through the magnetic anchor 16, such that the magnetic anchor 16 can be a ring or donut shape.
In the present invention, the insert tray 18 is stacked on top of the magnetic anchor 16. The insert tray 18 is removably mounted within the top end 22 of the chamber 20, and the insert tray 18 and the magnetic anchor 16 are in magnetic engagement for holding the insert tray 18 in the chamber 20. The insert tray 18 is formed of a compatible material so as to be compatible with magnetic forces. Also, the insert tray 18 contains a cosmetic product. Any type of cosmetic product, such as lip gloss, can be disposed in the insert tray 18.
Embodiments of the container system 10 of the present invention include an auxiliary insert tray 32. The auxiliary insert tray 32 is interchangeable with the insert tray 18 and contains a different cosmetic product. The insert tray 18 can be replaced with an auxiliary insert tray 32 so that different cosmetic products can be carried as desired by the user. The shape and material composition of the insert tray 18 and any auxiliary insert tray 32 are compatible. When mounted in the top end 22 of the chamber 20, the insert tray 18 or an auxiliary insert tray 32 covers the hole 30 of the magnetic anchor 16 and the aperture 26 of the chamber 20, when disposed within the jewelry body 12.
FIGS. 1-6 also show embodiments of the lid member 14 attached to the jewelry body 12. The lid member 14 covers the top end 22 of the chamber 20 in a closed position. The lid member 14 exposes the insert tray 18 within the top end 22 of the chamber 20 in an opened position. The insert tray 18 is only accessible when the lid member 14 is in an opened position. The container system 10 in the closed position has the appearance of a jewelry piece, such as a ring or pendant or broach. The insert tray 18 and cosmetic product cannot be viewed; thus, the container system 10 discretely transports cosmetic products in a decorative and fashionable manner.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the lid member 14 is comprised of a lid cover 34, a hinge means 36, and a closure means 38. FIGS. 1-4 shows the hinge means 36 as a hinge 40 mounted on the jewelry body 12. The lid cover 34 pivots above the top end 22 of the chamber 20 so as to expose the insert tray 18 in an opened position. FIG. 6 shows the hinge means 36 as a swivel joint 42 so that the lid cover 34 rotates across the top end 22 of the chamber 20 so as to expose the insert tray 18 in the opened position. There is also an alternative with the hinge means 36 as a magnet (not shown) mounted on lid cover 34. In this alternative body, the lid cover 34 is completely magnetically attached. The lid cover 34 is completely removable from the top end 22 of the chamber 20 in the opened position.
To lock the hinge means 36 in the closed position, embodiments of the container system 10 include a closure means 38 in snap fit engagement (FIG. 4), friction fit engagement (FIGS. 1-3 and 5), or magnetic engagement (FIG. 6) with the jewelry body 12. The closure means 38 holds the lid cover 34 over the insert tray 18 with the hinge means 36. There is a male-female connector as 38 in FIG. 4, a snap fit clasp as 38 in FIGS. 1-3 and 5. FIG. 6 shows the closure means 38 having variable shape, such as a circle or oval or rounded square, and placement on a perimeter of the jewelry body 12. The closure means 38 can swivel into place with alignment of all magnetic closure means 38 in FIG. 6. Any closure means 38 can be compatible with any hinge means 36. For example, the magnetic closure means 38 in FIG. 6 may also be placed with a hinge 40 (as in FIG. 4) instead of a swivel hinge 42 (as in FIG. 6). The user can actuate the closure means 38 to release the lid cover 34 to move relative to the hinge means 36 to the opened position. Mechanical force by the user should be sufficient to release the closure means 38 from the closed position.
The exploded perspective view of FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the container system 10 with a tool element 46. The tool element 46 is comprised of a tip 48 and a tool body 50 for insertion through the aperture 26 of chamber 20 and hole 30 of magnet anchor 16 to contact the insert tray 18. The mechanical contact by the tool element 46 dislodges the insert tray 18 from the magnetic anchor 16 so that the insert tray 18 can be removed from the jewelry body 12. The user exerts force to break the magnetic engagement between the insert tray 18 and the magnetic anchor 16. The tool body 50 is generally cylindrical, and the tip 48 pokes the insert tray 18 without causing damage to the insert tray 18. The tool element 46 of the container system 10 allows the insert tray 18 to be replaced with any auxiliary insert tray 32 with different cosmetic products.
FIGS. 1-6 also show the embodiments of the method for assembly of the container system 10. The method includes forming a jewelry body 12 in a shape of a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, a locket, or other jewelry piece. Then, the magnetic anchor 16 is attached to the bottom end 24 of the chamber 20 of the jewelry body 12. An adhesive or magnetic engagement can attach the magnetic anchor 16 to the jewelry body 12. The aperture 26 in the bottom end 24 is aligned with the hole 30 in the magnetic anchor 16. The insert tray 18 is now placed against the magnetic anchor 16 within the jewelry body 12 to magnetically attach the insert tray 16 within the chamber 20, when the lid member 14 is in an opened position. In the two tier embodiment of the FIG. 3, the magnetic anchor 16 sits within the smaller diameter bottom end 22 and forms a flush surface with shoulder 28 in the top end 24 of the chamber 20. The insert tray 18 removeably fits within this top end 24 of the chamber 20. With the insert tray 18 and cosmetic product within the insert tray 18 in place, the lid member 14 is closed against the jewelry body 12. In the closed position, the container system 10 appears a jewelry piece. The cosmetic product is discretely disposed and made portable with the user within the jewelry body.
Embodiments of the method include the step of forming the jewelry body as attaching the lid member 14 being comprised of a lid cover 34, a hinge 36, and a closure 38. The hinge 36 connects the lid cover 34 to the top end 22 of the jewelry body 12, and the closure 38 attaches the lid cover 34 to the top end 22 of the jewelry body 12 with the hinge 36 for the closed position. The closure 38 releases the lid cover 34 for the opened position.
The method for assembly includes an embodiment with replacing the insert tray 18 with an auxiliary insert tray 32. The auxiliary insert tray 32 contains a different cosmetic product, which can also be discretely carried in the jewelry body 12 because the auxiliary insert tray 32 can be interchangeable with the insert tray 18. The step of replacing the insert tray 18 comprises inserting a tool element 46 through the aperture 26 of chamber 20 and hole 30 of magnetic anchor 16 to contact the insert tray 18, when the lid member 14 is in an opened position. Mechanical force of the tool element 46 dislodges magnetic engagement between the magnetic anchor 16 and the insert tray 18. Now, the insert tray 18 can be removed from the jewelry body 12. The exposed magnetic anchor 16 can be re-covered with the auxiliary insert tray 18. The auxiliary insert tray 32 and the magnetic anchor 16 form a magnetic engagement so that the cosmetic product in the auxiliary insert tray 32 is housed in the container system 10. The tool element 46 can be comprised of a tip 48 and a generally cylindrical tool body 50 suitable for insertion through the jewelry body 12 and the magnetic anchor 16.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a container to store a cosmetic product. The container of the present invention can be worn, instead of requiring a separate purse or handbag to be carried separately. The container has the proper amount of cosmetic product for a portable supply for everyday use. The present invention includes a jewelry body sufficient for the weight and space required to hold a suitable amount of the cosmetic product for everyday use. An entire display container is not necessary to be carried everywhere in a heavy purse with the embodiments of the present invention. The outside appearance is jewelry, so that the cosmetic product can be discretely carried on a person without obvious visual indicators. The bulky and flashy display containers for cosmetics are avoided, while still having the cosmetics available and easily accessible for applying or re-applying the cosmetics.
The container has the appearance of jewelry, while maintaining the functionality as a container. The cosmetic products are loaded in interchangeable trays so that different cosmetic products can be carried. An entire new container does not have to be purchased in order to switch which cosmetic product is carried in the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention include innovative ways to replace trays by a particular combination of mechanical and magnetic interrelationships, unlike the prior art containers. The aperture in the jewelry body and the magnetic anchor allow the interchangeable trays to be dislodged for switching out trays. Various jewelry pieces, such as rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, broaches, and others can be decorative and functional.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the described method can be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A container system, comprising:

a jewelry body having a chamber with a top end and a bottom end with an aperture extending through said bottom end;

a lid member attached to said jewelry body, said lid member covering said top end of said chamber in a closed position;

a magnetic anchor mounted within said bottom end of said chamber, said magnetic anchor having a hole aligned with said aperture of said chamber, said hole extending through said magnetic anchor; and

an insert tray removable mounted within said top end of said chamber, said insert tray containing a cosmetic product, said insert tray being removably attached to said magnetic anchor within said jewelry body.

2. The container system, according to claim 1, wherein said jewelry body has a shape selected from a group consisting of a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, and a locket.

3. The container system, according to claim 1, wherein said lid member is comprised of a lid cover, a hinge means, and a closure means.

4. The container system, according to claim 3, wherein said hinge means is comprised of a hinge mounted on said jewelry body, said lid cover being pivotable above said top end of said jewelry body so as to expose said insert tray in an opened position.

5. The container system, according to claim 3, wherein said hinge means is comprised of a swivel joint, said lid cover being rotatable across said top end of said jewelry body so as to expose said insert tray in said opened position.

6. The container system, according to claim 3, wherein said hinge means is comprised of a magnet, said magnet mounted on lid cover, said lid cover being removable from said top end of said jewelry body in said opened position.

7. The container system, according to claim 1, wherein said closure means is in snap fit engagement with said jewelry body for said closed position, said insert tray being covered by said lid cover.

8. The container system, according to claim 1, wherein said closure means is friction fit engagement with said jewelry body for said closed position, said insert tray being covered by said lid cover.

9. The container system, according to claim 1, wherein said closure means is in magnetic engagement with said jewelry body for said closed position, said insert tray being covered by said lid cover.

10. The container system, according to claim 9, wherein said closure means has a variable shape and placement along a perimeter of said jewelry body.

11. The container system, according to claim 1, further comprising:

an auxiliary insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray being interchangeable with said insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray containing a cosmetic product.

12. The container system, according to claim 11, wherein said insert tray and said auxiliary insert tray have interchangeable shape and material composition, each insert tray covering said aperture when disposed within said jewelry body.

13. The container system, according to claim 1, further comprising:

a tool element comprised of a tip and a tool body, said tool body being generally cylindrical, said tip and said tool body being insertable through said aperture of chamber and hole of magnet anchor to contact said insert tray, so as to dislodge said insert tray from said magnetic anchor and from said jewelry body.

14. A container system, comprising:

a lid member attached to said jewelry body, said lid member covering said top end of said chamber in a closed position, wherein said jewelry body and said lid member in said closed position form a shape selected from a group consisting of a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, and a locket;

15. The container system, according to claim 14, further comprising an auxiliary insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray being interchangeable with said insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray containing a cosmetic product.

16. A method for assembly of a container system according to claim 1, said method comprising the steps of:

forming a jewelry body in a shape of at least one of a group consisting of a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, a pendant, and a locket;

attaching said magnetic anchor to said bottom end of said jewelry body, said aperture in said bottom end being aligned with said hole in said magnetic anchor;

placing said insert tray against said magnetic anchor within said jewelry body, said magnetic anchor being magnetically attached to said insert tray, when said lid member is in an opened position; and

closing said lid member against said jewelry body for a closed position, said cosmetic product being disposed within the jewelry body.

17. The method for assembly, according to claim 16, wherein said step of forming said jewelry body is comprised of attaching said lid member, said lid member being comprised of a lid cover, a hinge means, and a closure means, said hinge means connecting said lid cover to said top end of said jewelry body, said closure means attaching said lid cover to said top end of said jewelry body for said closed position, said closure means releasing said lid cover from said top end of said jewelry body for said opened position.

18. The method for assembly, according to claim 16, further comprising the step of:

replacing said insert tray with an auxiliary insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray being interchangeable with said insert tray, said auxiliary insert tray containing a cosmetic product.

19. The method for assembly, according to claim 18, wherein said step of replacing said insert tray comprises:

inserting a tool element through said aperture of chamber and hole of magnetic anchor to contact said insert tray;

dislodging magnetic engagement between said magnetic anchor and said insert tray by mechanical force of said tool element;

removing said insert tray from said jewelry body; and

mounting said auxiliary insert tray on said magnetic anchor, said auxiliary insert tray and said magnetic anchor being in magnetic engagement said cosmetic product in said auxiliary insert tray being housed in said container system.

20. The method for assembly, according to claim 19, wherein said step of dislodging comprises inserting a tool element comprised of a tip and a tool body, said tool body being generally cylindrical, said tip and said tool body being insertable, so as to mechanically separate said insert tray from said magnetic anchor and from said jewelry body.