US20160270507A1

US20160270507A1 - Modular cosmetic case

Info

Publication number: US20160270507A1
Application number: US14/664,437
Authority: US
Inventors: David Julian Cave THOMPSON
Original assignee: International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd; International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd (Taiwan Branch)
Current assignee: International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd; International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd (Taiwan Branch)
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2015-03-20
Publication date: 2016-09-22

Abstract

Cosmetic compact having a base including a bottom and a first wall. The first wall extending from the bottom and forming an opening configured to receive a plurality of cosmetic containers. A second wall and a third wall extending from the bottom and spaced apart from one another and forming cosmetic container restraining sidewalls configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers when the bottom is inverted. A lid operably coupled to base and configured to transition between a closed position and an open position in which cosmetics in the base are exposed for use.

Description

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to cosmetic cases. More specifically, the subject matter herein relates to modular cosmetic cases.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetics are common place in daily life and are often carried everywhere a person goes including in cars, purses, travel bags, and the like. Desired cosmetic shades can vary based on clothing, weather, season, or style. The application of the cosmetics can empty the container within which the cosmetics were stored requiring a new container. Each container can include multiple shades or types of cosmetics, and often a single cosmetic is emptied before the entire container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a second open configuration;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a second open configuration having a plurality of cosmetic containers being inserted thereto; and

FIG. 5 is an elevational cross-section view of an example embodiment of a base of a cosmetic compact;

FIG. 6 is an elevational cross-section view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a second open configuration;

FIG. 8 is an isometric cross-section view of a second example embodiment of a cosmetic compact in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the retaining frame of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of an example embodiment of a retaining frame of a cosmetic compact;

FIG. 11 is an elevational cross-section view of FIG. 8 along line 10-10;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic container;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the cosmetic container of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.
Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now be presented.
The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The connection can be such that the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term “outside” refers to a region that is beyond the outermost confines of a physical object. The term “inside” indicates that at least a portion of a region is partially contained within a boundary formed by the object. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising” means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in a so-described combination, group, series and the like.
The present disclosure relates cosmetic compact configured to interchangeably receive at least one cosmetic container. A cosmetic compact can include a base having a bottom and a first wall extending from the bottom forming an opening configured to receive the at least one cosmetic container. A second wall and a third wall can extend from the bottom and be spaced apart from one another to form cosmetic container restraining sidewalls. The restraining sidewalls can be configured to restrain the at least one cosmetic container when the bottom is inverted. A lid can be coupled to the base and configured to operate between a closed position and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the lid can be configured to cover at least a portion of the top surface of base in which cosmetics containers are restrained. In the open configuration, the cosmetics in the base are exposed for use. In at least one embodiment, the cosmetic compact can be configured to receive one cosmetic container restrained between the second and the third wall. In alternative embodiments, the cosmetic compact can be configured to receive a plurality of cosmetic containers.
The cosmetic compact can further include a retaining frame coupled to the base and configured to operate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the opening configured to receive the at least one cosmetic container is covered by the retaining frame thereby preventing the insertion or removal of cosmetic containers. In the open configuration, the opening configured to receive the at least one cosmetic container is not covered by the retaining frame thereby allowing insertion or removal of cosmetic containers. In at least one embodiment, the retaining frame can assist the second and third walls in restraining the cosmetic containers when the bottom is inverted. In other embodiments, the retaining frame can be omitted. When the retaining frame is omitted, the at least one cosmetic container can be configured to be held in place by another component such as a ridge or other retention mechanism.
The second wall and the third wall can further include an applicator tray formed integrally formed therein and configured to receive a cosmetic applicator. The applicator tray can be configured to allow the cosmetic applicator to be contained within the base when the lid in an open and closed configuration. In at least one embodiment, the cosmetic compact can have an applicator tray integrally formed in one of the second wall and the third wall. In an alternative embodiment, the cosmetic compact can have an applicator tray integrally formed in each of the second and the third wall.
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 in a closed configuration 700. The cosmetic compact 100 can have a base 110 having a bottom portion 120. The base 110 can be configured to house a plurality of cosmetic containers 145. A lid 160 can be coupled to the base 110 and configured to operate between a closed configuration 700 and an open configuration 800, shown in FIG. 2.
In the closed configuration, the lid 160 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the base 110. The lid 160 can cover the cosmetic containers to avoid exposing the cosmetic in the cosmetic containers to accidental contact and preventing use.
In the open configuration, the lid 160 can be configured to expose the cosmetic containers for use.
The base 110 can include a groove 142 formed on the outer surface configured to assist in operating the lid 160 between the closed configuration 700 and the open configuration 800.
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 in an open configuration 800. The base 110 can include a first wall 130 extending from the bottom 120 and forming an opening 135, as shown in FIG. 3, configured to receive the plurality of cosmetic containers 145. The base 110 can also include a second wall 140 and a third wall 150 extending from the bottom 120 and spaced apart from one another. The second wall 140 and the third wall 150 can form cosmetic container restraining sidewalls 155 configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 when the bottom 120 is inverted.
The cosmetic compact 100 can also include a retaining frame 170 coupled to the base 110 can configured to operate between a second closed configuration 750 and a second open configuration 850. The retaining frame 170 can be configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 when the bottom 120 is inverted. In at least one embodiment, the retaining frame 170 can work in conjunction with the restraining sidewalls 155 to secure the plurality of cosmetic containers 145. In alternative embodiments, the retaining frame 170 can secure the plurality cosmetic containers 145 within the base 110.
While the retaining frame 170 is illustrated in the example, the present disclosure can be implemented without the retaining frame 170. When the retaining frame 170 is omitted, the cosmetic container 145 can be held within the base 110 by a ridge formed thereon. In other embodiments, other retaining devices can be implemented such as a movable side wall. In still other embodiments, the restraining sidewalls 155 can be spaced apart so as to provide a substantial friction fit to present the movement of the at least one cosmetic container 145.
The second wall 140 and the third wall 150 can have an applicator tray 180 integrally formed therein and configured to receive an applicator 185. The applicator tray 180 can be configured to house the applicator 185 when the cosmetic compact 100 is in the closed configuration 700. The applicator 185 can be brush, a foam pad, or similar application device. In at least one embodiment, the applicator 185 is a plastic rod having a foam pad formed on one or both opposing ends. In an alternative embodiment, the applicator 185 is a plastic rod having a brush formed on a first end and a foam pad formed on the opposing end.
The lid 160 can have a reflective inner surface 165 configured to allow a user see the application of cosmetics. The reflective inner surface 165 can be substantially the entire inner surface of the lid or only a portion of the inner surface of the lid 160. The reflective inner surface 165 can be a surface coating applied to the lid 160 or a reflective material adhered to inner surface of the lid 160. In at least one embodiment, the reflective inner surface 165 is a minor film applied to the inner surface of the lid 160. In an alternative embodiment, the reflective inner surface 165 is a glass mirror adhered to the inner surface of the lid 160.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 and the following figures, the at least one cosmetic container 145 includes six cosmetic containers 145 arranged in two rows and are of equal size. The present disclosure can be implemented with a single cosmetic container 145. In other embodiments, the arrangement of a plurality of cosmetic containers 145 can be in a single row. In yet other embodiments, the size and shape of the cosmetic container 145 can vary. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom row of cosmetic containers 145 could be a single cosmetic container 145. In yet other embodiments, the cosmetic containers 145 that are illustrated as being one above the other can be formed as a single cosmetic container 145. In this way, the present subject matter can be implemented in a variety of different arrangement of cosmetic containers 145 and/or shapes of the base 110. In yet other embodiments, the arrangement can be in three or more rows. The number of rows and cosmetic containers present can be based on the desired size of the cosmetic. For example, in some arrangements several smaller containers are present to provide for a greater selection of product. In other arrangements, the size of the cosmetic container is increased to provide more of a single color and/or type of cosmetic.
FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 having a retaining frame 170 in a second open configuration 850. The cosmetic compact 100 can include a retaining frame 170 operable between a second closed configuration 750 and a second open configuration 850. In the second closed configuration 750, the retaining frame 170 can be configured to cover the opening 135 to prevent inserting or removing the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 from cosmetic compact 100 while still allowing access to the cosmetics housed within each cosmetic container 145. The retaining frame 170 can form an aperture 173 configured to provide access to the cosmetic containers 145 when the retaining frame 170 is in the second closed configuration 750. The retaining frame 170 can provide additional restraining against vertical movement of the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 when the bottom 120 is inverted. In the second open configuration 850, the retaining frame 170 can be configured to allow the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 to be inserted or removed from the cosmetic compact 100 through the opening 135.
As can be appreciated in FIG. 3, the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 can be arranged in two rows. Each row can abut the other to provide additional restraint when the bottom 120 is inverted. In alternative embodiments, the cosmetic container 100 can be configured to receive the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 in a single row, or more than 2 rows.
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 in a second open configuration 850 having a plurality of cosmetic containers 145 removed therefrom. The plurality of cosmetic containers 145 can be configured to slidingly engage with the base 110. The bottom 120 of the base 110 can have a track mechanism 125 configured to allow insertion and removal of the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 from the cosmetic compact 100. The track mechanism 125 can be substantially linear and begin at the opening 135 on the first wall 130 and extend to the opposing end of the compact 100. Each of the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 can be configured to interact with the track mechanism to facilitate insertion and removal into the cosmetic compact 100. The track mechanism 125 can further assist in securing the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 when the bottom 120 is inverted. In at least one embodiment, the track mechanism 125 can be at least one groove configured to receive a protrusion extending from the cosmetic container 145. In an alternative embodiment, the track mechanism 125 can be at least one ridge configured to be received in a corresponding groove on the cosmetic container 145.
As can be appreciated in FIG. 4, the track mechanism 125 can be three container receiving grooves, each configured to receive one or more cosmetic containers 145. A first container receiving groove can be located substantially adjacent the second wall and a second container receiving groove located substantially adjacent the third wall. A third container receiving groove located between the first container receiving groove and the second container receiving groove. In at least one embodiment, the third container receiving groove can be at substantially the mid-point between the first and second container receiving grooves.
As can also be appreciated in FIG. 4, the retaining frame 170 can have a plurality of retaining tabs 175. The plurality of retaining tabs 175 can be configured to remove any gaps between the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 and the base 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of retaining tabs 175 can also be configured to remove gaps between the two rows of cosmetic containers 145. The removal of gaps can provide a more secure arrangement of the cosmetic containers 145 within the cosmetic compact 100 and prevent shifting when the cosmetic compact 100 is moved.
FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational cross-section view of an example embodiment of a base 110 of a cosmetic compact 100 without any cosmetic containers 145 installed therein. The base 110 can include the second wall 140 and third wall 150 each extending from the bottom 120. The second wall 140 and third wall 150 can be spaced apart from one another and form restraining sidewalls 155 configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers 145. The second wall 140 and the third wall 150 can have an angled portion 156 facing one another so that the distance between the second wall and the third wall is greater near the bottom as compared to the distance between the second wall 140 and the third wall 150 at the respective distal ends away from the bottom 120.
The base 110 can further include the groove 142 configured to assist in the operation of the lid 160. The groove 142 can include a latching mechanism 144 configured to secure the lid 160 in a closed configuration 700. The base 110 can further include a hinge mechanism 190 configured to operably couple the lid 160 with the base 110. The hinge mechanism 190 can be a hinge, pin assembly, or similar operable pivotable coupling. The hinge can be a butt hinge, t-hinge, strap hinge, double acting hinge, soss hinge, or other suitable hinge. A pin assembly can include one of the base 110 and the lid 160 having at least one protrusion extending from an exterior surface and configured to be received in a corresponding aperture formed on the other of the base 110 and the lid 160. The lid 160 can then be configured to pivot about the pin between the closed configuration 700 and the open configuration 800.
As can be appreciated by in FIG. 5, the restraining sidewalls 155 can be formed by the second wall 140 and the third wall 150 protruding inwardly as each extends away from the bottom 120. The track mechanism 125 can be a plurality of container receiving grooves formed on the inner surface of bottom 120. At least one groove can be formed substantially the middle of the opening 135 and be configured to receive a portion of each of two abutting cosmetic containers 145, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 6 illustrates an elevational cross-section view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 in a closed configuration 700 having a plurality of cosmetic containers installed therein. The lid 160 can be secured by the latching mechanism 144 in the groove 142 of the second wall 140. In at least one embodiment, the lid 160 can have be protrusion configured to pass over the latching mechanism 144, thereby preventing the lid from transitioning to an open configuration without an applied force. In alternative embodiments, the latching mechanism 144 can be a slidable assembly configured to matingly receive a protrusion extending from the lid 160.
FIG. 7 illustrates an elevational view of an example embodiment of a cosmetic compact 100 in a second open configuration 850. The lid 160 can be configured to pivot about the hinge mechanism 190 when transitioning between the closed configuration 700 and the open configuration 800. The retaining frame 170 can also be configured to pivot when transitioning between the second closed configuration 750 and the second open configuration 850. The lid 160 can be configured to angularly rotate more than the retaining frame 170. In at least one embodiment, the lid 160 can rotate approximately 110 degrees between the closed configuration 700 and the open configuration 800, while the retaining frame 170 can rotate approximately 100 degrees between the second closed configuration 750 and the second open configuration 850. In alternative embodiments, the lid 160 and retaining frame 170 can be configured to have substantially the same rotational degrees of freedom.
As can be appreciated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 can be configured to sliding engage the base 110 and be received within the track mechanism 125. The track mechanism 125 can include three container receiving grooves formed within the bottom 120, each groove configured to receive at least a portion of one of the plurality of cosmetic containers 145. One of the grooves can be substantially in the middle of the opening 135 and configured to receive at least a portion of abutting cosmetic containers 145. As can further be appreciated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the edges of the cosmetic containers abutting the second wall 140 and third wall 150 can be configured to correspond to the restraining sidewalls 155. The wall abutting portion 146 of the cosmetic container 145 can extend inward at the top relative to the base 110 corresponding to the second and third walls 140, 150 that extend inward as each extends away from the bottom 120. These respective wedge-shaped arrangements can secure the plurality of cosmetic containers within the base 110 when the cosmetic compact 100 is inverted.
FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric cross-section view of an example second embodiment of a cosmetic case 100 in a closed configuration 700. The cosmetic case 100 can include a track mechanism 125 having a ridge 126 formed substantially in the middle between the second wall 140 and third wall 150 and extending along the length the second and third walls 140,150. At least a portion of the ridge 126 can be received in a corresponding grooved informed into the cosmetic container 145. As can be appreciated in FIG. 8, the ridge 126 can receive a portion of two cosmetic containers 145 abutting one another. In alternative embodiments, the cosmetic case 100 can have a plurality of ridges, each configured to be received by a portion of the cosmetic container 145.
FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an example embodiment of a retaining frame 170. The retaining frame 170 can be configured to operably couple with the base 110. The retaining frame 170 can include a plurality of retaining tabs 175 configured to remove gaps between the plurality of cosmetic containers 145 and the base 110. The plurality of retaining tabs 175 can be configured to ensure the plurality of cosmetic containers are secure and cannot move while in the retaining frame 170 is in the second closed configuration 750. The retaining frame 170 form an aperture configured to provide access to the cosmetic containers 145 when the retaining frame 170 is in the second closed configuration 750. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining frame 170 has a single aperture exposing the cosmetic containers 145. In alternative embodiments, the retaining frame 170 can have a plurality of apertures exposing each one or more cosmetic containers.
As can be appreciated in FIG. 10, the retaining frame 170 can have a receiving portion 177 formed therein. The receiving portion 177 can be configured to operably couple the retaining frame 170 to the base 110. The receiving portion 177 can include a hinge assembly as described above with respect to the lid 160. In alternative embodiments, the retaining frame 170 can be configured to be operably coupled to the base 110 at the hinge mechanism 190.
FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an example embodiment of a cosmetic container 145. The cosmetic container 145 can have a tray 149 integrally formed therein configured to receive and house a cosmetic. The tray 149 can have a substantially rectangular shape. In other arrangements, the tray 149 can be substantially circular, triangular, or polygonal. In at least one embodiment, the cosmetic container 145 has a tray 149 configured to receive one cosmetic. In an alternative embodiment, the cosmetic container 145 can have more than one tray 149, each configured to receive a cosmetic.
The cosmetic container can have a wall abutting portion 146 and a container abutting portion 147 disposed opposite to the wall abutting portion 146. The wall abutting portion 146 can be configured to engage the restraining sidewalls 155, thereby securing the cosmetic container into the base 110. The container abutting portion 147 can be configured to abut an adjacent cosmetic container 145 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In at least one embodiment, the cosmetic containers 145 are restrained within the base 110 solely by the restraining sidewalls 155. The restraining sidewalls 155 and the cosmetic containers 145 each having a corresponding wedge shape configured to restrain the cosmetic containers when the bottom 120 is inverted.
The cosmetic container 145 can also include track engaging portions 148 configured to engage with the track mechanism 125. In at least one embodiment, the track engaging portions 148 can extend the length of each of the wall abutting portion 146 and the container abutting portion 147, thus forming a raised bottom surface of the cosmetic container 145. In an alternative embodiment, the track engaging portions 148 are protrusions extending from the bottom surface of the cosmetic container 145 and configured to be received in corresponding groves of the track mechanism 125.
It is believed the exemplary embodiment and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure or sacrificing all of its advantages, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cosmetic compact comprising:

a base, comprising:

a bottom;

a first wall extending from the bottom and forming an opening configured to receive a plurality of cosmetic containers;

a second wall and a third wall extending from the bottom and spaced apart from one another and form cosmetic container restraining sidewalls configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers when the bottom is inverted; and

a lid coupled to base and configured to operate between a closed position and an open position in which cosmetics in the base are exposed for use.

2. The cosmetic compact as recited in claim 1, further comprising a retaining frame coupled to the base and configured to operate between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which the opening is covered by the retaining frame thereby preventing the insertion or removal of the plurality of cosmetic containers.

3. The cosmetic compact as recited in claim 2, wherein the retaining frame open configuration is a position between the retaining frame closed configuration and the lid open configuration.

4. The cosmetic compact as recited in claim 2, wherein at least one cosmetic container comprises a plurality of cosmetic containers and the retaining frame comprises a plurality of retaining tabs configured to remove any gaps between the plurality of cosmetic containers and the base.

5. The cosmetic compact as recited in claim 1, wherein the second wall and the third wall have an angled portion facing one another so that the distance between the second wall and the third wall is greater near the bottom as compared to the distance between the second wall and the third wall at the respective distal ends away from the bottom.

6. The cosmetic compact as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottom includes at least one groove integrally formed therein and configured to receive a corresponding at least one protrusion extending from the bottom of the plurality of cosmetic containers.

7. A base of a modular compact configured to receive a plurality of cosmetic containers, the base comprising:

a bottom;

a first wall extending from the bottom and forming an opening configured to receive the plurality of cosmetic containers;

a second wall and a third wall extending from the bottom and spaced apart from one another and form cosmetic container restraining sidewalls configured to restrain the plurality of cosmetic containers when the bottom is inverted.

8. The base as recited in claim 7, wherein the bottom includes at least one container receiving groove formed therein.

9. The base as recited in claim 8, wherein the container receiving groove spans a substantial entirety of the bottom portion in a direction that is substantially parallel to the second wall and the third wall.

10. The base as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one container receiving groove comprises three container receiving grooves comprising a first container receiving groove located substantially adjacent the second wall, a second container receiving groove located substantially adjacent the third wall, and a third container receiving groove located between the first container receiving groove and the second container receiving groove.

11. The base as recited in claim 7, wherein the second wall and the third wall have an angled portion facing one another so that the distance between the second wall and the third wall is greater near the bottom as compared to the distance between the second wall and the third wall at the respective distal ends away from the bottom.

12. The base as recited in claim 11, wherein at least one of the second wall or third wall has a lip portion at the distal end that extends substantially parallel to the bottom.

13. The base as recited in claim 7, wherein the bottom includes at least one ridge configured to be received in a corresponding groove on the plurality of cosmetic containers.

14. A cosmetic container configured to be installed into a base of cosmetic compact, the cosmetic container comprising:

a floor;

a plurality of sidewalls extending from the floor and forming a cosmetic retention area;

a leg extending from the floor and configured to engage with a receiving groove of the base;

a extension member coupled to the floor and forming an angle relative to one of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the extension member is configured to engage a wall of the base.

15. The cosmetic container as recited in claim 14, further comprising ledge portion coupling the extension member to one of the plurality of sidewalls.

16. The cosmetic container as recited in claim 15, wherein the ledge is substantially parallel to the floor.

17. The cosmetic container as recited in claim 14, further comprising an additional leg located on a side of the floor opposite the leg.

18. The cosmetic container as recited in claim 17, wherein the additional leg and the extension member form a cavity therebetween.