US20180020810A1

US20180020810A1 - Compact with hidden hinge

Info

Publication number: US20180020810A1
Application number: US15/655,022
Authority: US
Inventors: David Jeffrey Eberlein; Megan R. Langdon; Tania Miren Diaz
Original assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-22
Filing date: 2017-07-20
Publication date: 2018-01-25

Abstract

A cosmetic container that includes a lid assembly and a base assembly each configured to hold a cosmetic product. The lid assembly and the base assembly are pivotably coupled with a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may be positioned and secured within recesses of the lid assembly and the base assembly such that the cosmetic container can lie flat on a level surface in a fully open configuration.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/365,495, filed on Jul. 22, 2016, titled COMPACT WITH HIDDEN HINGE, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a cosmetic compact, and in particular, to a compact including a hidden hinge.

BACKGROUND

Vessels exist that are portable, convenient to use, and designed to contain cosmetic products for use. These types of portable vessels usually consist of a jar and lid assembly, that when assembled together provide an effective barrier for containing the product. The jar and/or lid are typically made of a glass, a plastic, a metal, combinations of the foregoing, or the like, that when closed together create a seal that can contain the product. These jar and lid assemblies may typically be sealed by a thread fastening mechanism, a snap fastening mechanism, or a clamp fastening mechanism. Some assemblies, when fastened together, can compress an o-ring or a gasket interposed by the jar and the lid. Some assemblies include hinged compacts rather than separate jars and lids.
These vessels are used in the cosmetics and personal care industries for containing a product to be applied to a body. Exemplary products include creams, gels, loose or compressed powders, and various makeup products, such as lip balm, blush/rouge, tint, petroleum products, sunscreen, etc. Portable vessels have been developed to contain products in a compact and often substantially airtight assembly. These are often built with a plastic pot and a loose plastic lid that are housed by a protective shell. However, because these vessels have a loose lid, it is difficult to manage both the loose lid and the protective shell while applying the contained product to a body. Some vessels have addressed this problem by utilizing a hinge or a tether to keep the lid with the pot. Such is the case with traditional compacts. Although portable vessels and compacts exist, there remains a need for improved cosmetic containers.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.
In a first example, a cosmetic container may comprise a lid assembly including a housing having a top surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product, the housing further including a first recess disposed along an edge of the housing, a base assembly including a base housing having a bottom surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product and a second recess disposed along an edge of the base housing, and a hinge assembly disposed at least in part in the first recess and the second recess, the hinge assembly coupled to the lid assembly and the base assembly adjacent to the first recess and the second recess and configured to allow the lid assembly to pivot relative to the base assembly to move the cosmetic container between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration. When the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the top surface of the lid assembly and the bottom surface of the base assembly may be configured to lie flat on a surface.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the hinge assembly may comprise a hinge, a first pair of pins, and a second pair of pins.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, at least one of the pins of the first pair of pins may be movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, at least one of the pins of the second pair of pins may be movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first pair of pins may be configured to engage a pair of apertures in the lid assembly, the first pair of apertures may be positioned in opposing side walls of the first recess.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the second pair of pins may be configured to engage a pair of apertures in the base assembly, the pair of apertures may be positioned in opposing side walls of the second recess.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, when the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the hinge assembly may not be visible from the bottom surface of the base assembly and the top surface of the lid assembly.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the hinge assembly may further comprise one or more magnets.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the one or more magnets may be configured to releasably couple the cosmetic container to a second cosmetic container.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a magnetic latching mechanism disposed in the lid assembly and the base assembly.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lid assembly and the base assembly may be symmetric when in the fully open configuration.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may have a half-circular cross-sectional shape in the closed configuration.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may have a circular cross-sectional shape in the fully open configuration.
Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, when in the closed configuration, the hinge assembly may be disposed within the first recess and the second recess to define a generally flat hinge edge.
The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an illustrative cosmetic container with a hidden hinge;

FIG. 2 is a perspective back view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a hidden hinge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an exploded front view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a hidden hinge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is an exploded back view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a hidden hinge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 in a partially open configuration;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 in a partially open configuration;

FIG. 6A is a perspective top view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 in a fully open configuration; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective bottom view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 in a fully open configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 6A with some components removed; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two linked illustrative cosmetic containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cosmetic container 10 including a hidden hinge in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown at FIG. 1, the cosmetic container 10 may include a base assembly 12 and a lid assembly 14. The lid assembly 14 may be pivotably coupled to the base assembly 12 such that the cosmetic container in a fully opened configuration can lie flat on surface. As will be described in more detail below, the lid assembly 14 may be releasably secured to the base assembly 12 through a magnet coupling between a portion of the lid assembly 14 and the base assembly 12, although other coupling mechanisms are also contemplated. The cosmetic container 10 in FIG. 1 is shown in a closed position with lid assembly 14 covering base assembly 12. The terms “base” and “lid” are not intending to limit the cosmetic container 10 to a particular orientation. In some cases, the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may be the same or similar in size, shape, and/or configuration, although this is not required.
In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, other polymers, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments may, however, include containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the base and/or lid assemblies 12, 14 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cosmetic container 10 including a hidden hinge in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein. The base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may be pivotably coupled together via a hinge assembly 16. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 16 may include one or more magnets 18 a, 18 b (collectively, 18) disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the hinge assembly 16. While the cosmetic container 10 is illustrated as including two magnets 18 in the hinge assembly 16, the hinge assembly 16 may include any number of magnets desired, such as, but not limited to, one, two, three, four, or more. It is further contemplated that the container 10 may include magnets 18 along or in surfaces other than the hinge assembly 16. The magnets 18 may releasably couple together two or more cosmetic containers 10, as shown in FIG. 8.
The base assembly 12 may include a recess 20 configured to receive a portion of the hinge assembly 16. The recess 20 may having a length extending from a first wall 19 to a second wall 21. The lid assembly 14 may include a recess 22 configured to receive another portion of the hinge assembly 16. The recess 22 may having a length extending from a first wall 23 to a second wall 25. The recesses 20, 22 may be similar in size, although this is not required. As will be described in more detail below, the recesses 20, 22 may generally align to form a combined recess for receiving the hinge assembly 16. The hinge assembly 16 may be positioned within the recesses 20, 22 such that a back surface of the hinge assembly 16 is generally aligned with an edge surface 24 of the base assembly 12 and an edge surface 26 of the lid assembly 14. In other words, the hinge assembly 16 may be disposed within the recesses 20, 22 such that the hinge edge 28 of the cosmetic container 10 is generally flat when the container 10 is in the closed configuration.
FIG. 3A is an exploded front view and FIG. 3B is an exploded back view of the cosmetic container 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The base assembly 12 may include one or more pots or compartments 32 a, 32 b (collectively 32) at least partially encased by a base or housing 30. The base 30 may include a first, or bottom, surface 34 and one or more side walls 36 extending generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 34. The one or more compartments 32 may be positioned within a cavity 38 formed at least in part by the bottom surface 34 and the one or more side walls 36. The one or more compartments 32 may be configured to receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like. While the base assembly 12 is illustrated as including two compartments 32, the base assembly 12 may include any number of compartments 32 desired, such as, but not limited to, one, two, three, four, or more. It is contemplated that the compartments 32 may be removable and/or interchangeable, as desired.
Referring additionally to FIGS. 4-6, the lid assembly 14 may include one or more pots or compartments 42 a, 42 b (collectively 42) at least partially encased by a housing 40. The housing 40 may include a second, or top, surface 44 and one or more side walls 46 extending generally perpendicular to the top surface 44. The one or more compartments 42 may be positioned within a cavity 48 formed at least in part by the top surface 44 and the one or more side walls 46. The one or more compartments 42 may be configured to receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like. While the lid assembly 14 is illustrated as including two compartments 42, the lid assembly 14 may include any number of compartments 42 desired, such as, but not limited to, one, two, three, four, or more. It is contemplated that the compartments 42 may be removable and/or interchangeable, as desired.
It is further contemplated that one or more of the compartments 32, 42 of either the base assembly 12 or the lid assembly 14 may be replaced by or otherwise include a mirror and/or an applicator. While the base assembly 12 is described as having a “bottom” surface and the lid assembly 14 is described as having a “top” surface, it should be understood that the use of the terms “bottom” and “top” are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the cosmetic container 10 to a particular spatial orientation.
Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recess 20 may include a bottom wall 60 such that the hinge assembly 16 is not visible from the bottom surface 34 of the base 30. The recess 20 may also include a back wall 62 to separate it from the cavity 38. The recess 22 in the lid assembly 14 may include a wall 80 such that the hinge assembly 16 is not visible from the top surface 44 of the housing 40. While not explicitly shown, the recess 22 may also include a back wall to separate it from the cavity 48.
The hinge assembly 16 may include a hinge 50 having a first end 64 and a second end 66. The hinge 50 may have a length extending between the first end 64 and the second end 66 that is about the same as, or slightly less than a length of the recesses 20, 22 in the base and lid assemblies 12, 14. The hinge assembly 16 may include a first pin 52 a extending from the first end 64 and a second pin 52 b extending from the second end 66 to form a first pair of pins 52 a, 52 b (collectively, 52). In some cases, the hinge assembly 50 may be considered a watch link style hinge. The first pair of pins 52 may be configured to be received within a first pair of apertures 56 a, 56 b (collectively, 56) formed in the housing 40 of the lid assembly 14. The apertures 56 may be formed in the walls 23, 25 on either side of the recess 22. In some instances, the apertures may extend through the walls 23, 25 such that the apertures 56 are accessible from a location outside of the recess 22. In other cases, the apertures 56 may terminate at a location intermediate the recess 22 and the outer surface of the housing 40. In some cases, the first pair of pins 52 may be movably attached, such as, but not limited to, spring-loaded to the hinge 50 to allow the pins 52 to be depressed and placed within the apertures 56 in the lid assembly 14. In other words, the pins 52 may be movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge 50 to allow an overall length (e.g. from a tip of the first pin 52 a to a tip of the second pin 52 b) to be shortened for assembly. For example, a first pin 52 a may be inserted into the first aperture 56 a. Once the first pin 52 a has been inserted into the first aperture 56 a, the tip of the second pin 52 b may extend beyond an opening of the aperture 56 b in the recess 22. The second pin 52 b may be pushed into a recess in the hinge 50 (e.g. a force exerted on the tip of the second pin 52 b) to shorten an exposed length of the pin 52 b and allow it to be inserted into the second aperture 56 b. When the exerted force is released from the pin 52 b, the pin 52 b may return to its original length (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) to engage the aperture 56 b. A biasing element (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a spring, may be disposed within the hinge 50 to bias the pins 52 away from the ends 64, 66 of the hinge 50.
The hinge assembly 16 may include a third pin 54 a extending from the first end 64 and a fourth pin 54 b extending from the second end 66 to form a second pair of pins 54 a, 54 b (collectively, 54). The second pair of pins 54 may be configured to be received within a pair of apertures 58 a, 58 b (collectively, 58) formed in the base 30 of the base assembly 12. The apertures 58 may be formed through a side wall on either side of the recess 20. In some instances, the apertures may extend through the walls 19, 21 such that the apertures 58 are accessible from a location outside of the recess 20. In other cases, the apertures 58 may terminate at a location intermediate the recess 20 and the outer surface of the housing 30. In some cases, the second pair of pins 54 may be movably attached, such as, but not limited to, spring-loaded) to the hinge 50 to allow the pins 54 to be depressed and placed within the apertures 58 in the base assembly 12. In other words, to the pins 54 may be movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge 50 to allow an overall length (e.g. from a tip of the third pin 54 a to a tip of the fourth pin 54 b) to be shortened for assembly. For example, the third pin 54 a may be inserted into an aperture 58 a of the base. Once the third pin 54 a has been inserted into the aperture 58 a, the tip of the fourth pin 54 b may extend beyond the aperture 58 b opening in the recess 20. The fourth pin 54 b may be pushed into a recess in the hinge 50 (e.g. a force exerted on the tip of the fourth pin 54 b) to shorten an exposed length of the pin 54 b and allow it to be inserted into the aperture 58 b. When the exerted force is released from the pin 54 b, the pin 54 b may return to its original length (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). A biasing element (not shown) such as, but not limited to a spring, may be disposed within the hinge 50 to bias the pins 54 away from the ends 64, 66 of the hinge 50.
The pins 52, 54 may be secured to the hinge 50 to allow for movement along a longitudinal axis of the hinge 50 but to prevent rotational movement of the pins 52, 54 relative to the hinge 50. The pins 52, 54 may be positioned within the apertures 56, 58 such that the base and lid assemblies 12, 14 may rotate and/or pivot relative to the pins 52, 54. This may allow the base and lid assemblies 12, 14 to pivot open about the hinge assembly 16. In some cases, the hinge assembly 16 may be removable through actuation of one or more of the pins 52, 54 through the corresponding apertures 56, 58.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in partially open configurations. FIG. 6A is a top perspective view and FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in a fully open configuration. The cosmetic container 10 may be moved between the closed configuration (FIGS. 1-2) and a plurality of open configurations (FIGS. 4-6) by pivoting the base assembly 12 and/or the lid assembly 14 relative to one another via the hinge assembly 16. The hinge assembly 16 may allow the lid assembly 14 to pivot open as well allow for some lateral movement as shown at arrow 82. For example, the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may be movable in two directions. Edges 70 a, 70 b (collectively 70) of the base assembly 12 and edges 68 a, 68 b (collectively 68) of the lid assembly 14 may be in contact or frictionally engaged as the cosmetic container 10 is opened and/or closed. In some instances, edges 68, 70 may be rounded to reduce or eliminate catch points, although this is not required.
When the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the bottom surface 34 of the base assembly 12 and the top surface 44 of the lid assembly 14 may align such that the cosmetic container 10 is substantially flat or level. In other words, when in the fully open configuration, the cosmetic container 10 may be placed on a surface (e.g. a counter) and both the bottom surface 34 and the top surface 44 will contact the surface and lie in the same plane. In the fully open configuration, the bottom surface 34 and the top surface 44 may come together such that the hinge assembly 16 is hidden from view when the cosmetic container 10 is viewed from the bottom (as shown in FIG. 6B).
The base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may each have a generally half-circular cross-sectional shape such that the cosmetic container 10 has a generally circular shape in the fully open configuration. However, the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may take any rotationally symmetrical shape (e.g. symmetric about the hinge assembly 16) desired, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, half-ovoid, polygonal, etc.
As the base assembly 12 and lid assembly 14 are moveable in more than one direction (e.g. two degrees of freedom), it may be desirable to have a closure mechanism does not require precise alignment to releasably secure the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 147 to one another. In some cases, the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14 may be releasably coupled together using a magnet closure. For example, the base assembly 12 may include a magnet disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the base 30. In some instances, the magnet may be disposed under a rim 72 (see FIG. 6A) of the base 30. The lid assembly 14 may include a magnet disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of the housing 40. The magnet may be positioned to generally align with the magnet in the base assembly 12. In some instances, the magnet may be disposed under a rim 74 (see FIG. 6A) of the housing 40. FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in a fully open configuration with the rims 72, 74 removed to show a first magnet 76 in the base assembly 12 and a second magnet 78 in the lid assembly 14. The position of the magnets 76, 78 is merely illustrative. For example, the magnets 76, 78 may be positioned closer to the hinge assembly 16, if so desired. Further, there may be more than one magnet in each of the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14. In some cases, the cosmetic container 10 may include other latching mechanism such as but not limited to, push-buttons, a ball clasp, snap clasps, etc.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first cosmetic container 10 magnetically coupled to a second cosmetic container 10′. The second cosmetic container 10′ may be a duplication of the first cosmetic container 10. The second cosmetic container 10′ may include a base assembly 12′, a lid assembly 14′, and a hinge edge 28′. The second cosmetic container 10′ may include substantially the same components and features as the cosmetic container 10 described above. The first cosmetic container 10 and the second cosmetic container 10′ may be coupled along their respective hinge edges 28, 28′ through magnets such as the magnets 18 described above. In some cases, more than two cosmetic containers may be magnetically coupled together depending on the location of the magnets and/or the shape of the base assembly 12 and the lid assembly 14.
Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cosmetic container comprising:

a lid assembly including a housing having a top surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product, the housing further including a first recess disposed along an edge of the housing;

a base assembly including a base housing having a bottom surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product and a second recess disposed along an edge of the base housing; and

a hinge assembly disposed at least in part in the first recess and the second recess, the hinge assembly coupled to the lid assembly and the base assembly adjacent to the first recess and the second recess and configured to allow the lid assembly to pivot relative to the base assembly to move the cosmetic container between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration;

wherein when the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the top surface of the lid assembly and the bottom surface of the base assembly are configured to lie flat on a surface.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a hinge, a first pair of pins, and a second pair of pins.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein at least one of the pins of the first pair of pins is movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein when the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the hinge assembly is not visible from the bottom surface of the base assembly or the top surface of the lid assembly.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein at least one of the pins of the second pair of pins is movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein the first pair of pins are configured to engage a pair of apertures in the lid assembly, the first pair of apertures positioned in opposing side walls of the first recess.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein the second pair of pins are configured to engage a pair of apertures in the base assembly, the pair of apertures positioned in opposing side walls of the second recess.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly further comprises one or more magnets.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 8, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to releasably couple the cosmetic container to a second cosmetic container.

10. The cosmetic container of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic latching mechanism disposed in the lid assembly and the base assembly.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly and the base assembly are symmetric when in the fully open configuration.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein when in the closed configuration, the hinge assembly is disposed within the first recess and the second recess to define a generally flat hinge edge.

13. A cosmetic container comprising:

a base assembly including a base housing having a bottom surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product and a second recess disposed along an edge of the base housing, the base housing having a similar shape to the housing of the lid assembly; and

wherein when the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the top surface of the lid assembly and the bottom surface of the base assembly are configured to lie flat on a surface; and

wherein when in the closed configuration, the hinge assembly is disposed within the first recess and the second recess to define a generally flat hinge edge.

14. The cosmetic container of claim 13, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a hinge, a first pair of pins, and a second pair of pins.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein at least one of the pins of the first pair of pins is movable along a longitudinal axis of the hinge.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 13, wherein when the cosmetic container is in the fully open configuration, the hinge assembly is not visible from the bottom surface of the base assembly or the top surface of the lid assembly.

17. The cosmetic container of claim 13, wherein when in the closed configuration, the hinge assembly is disposed within the first recess and the second recess to define a generally flat hinge edge.

18. A cosmetic container assembly comprising:

a first cosmetic container, the first cosmetic container comprising:

a first lid assembly including a housing having a top surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product, the housing further including a first recess disposed along an edge of the housing;

a first base assembly including a base housing having a bottom surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product and a second recess disposed along an edge of the base housing; and

a first hinge assembly including at least one magnet, the first hinge assembly disposed at least in part in the first recess and the second recess, the hinge assembly coupled to the first lid assembly and the first base assembly adjacent to the first recess and the second recess;

a second cosmetic container, the second cosmetic container comprising:

a second lid assembly including a housing having a top surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product, the housing further including a first recess disposed along an edge of the housing;

a second base assembly including a base housing having a bottom surface and one or more walls defining a cavity for holding a product and a second recess disposed along an edge of the base housing; and

a second hinge assembly including at least one magnet, the second hinge assembly disposed at least in part in the first recess and the second recess, the hinge assembly coupled to the second lid assembly and the second base assembly adjacent to the first recess and the second recess;

wherein the at least one magnet in the first hinge assembly and the at least one magnet in the second hinge assembly are configured to releasably couple the first cosmetic container and the second cosmetic container.

19. The cosmetic container assembly of claim 18, wherein the first hinge assembly is configured to allow the first lid assembly to pivot relative to the first base assembly to move the first cosmetic container between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration and the second hinge assembly is configured to allow the second lid assembly to pivot relative to the second base assembly to move the second cosmetic container between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration when the first and second cosmetic containers are uncoupled.

20. The cosmetic container assembly of claim 19, wherein when the first and second cosmetic containers are in the fully open configurations, the top surface of the first and second lid assemblies and the bottom surface of the first and second base assemblies are configured to lie flat on a surface; and

wherein when the first and second cosmetic containers are in the closed configuration, the first and second hinge assemblies are disposed within the respective first recesses and the second recesses to define a generally flat hinge edge on each of the first and second cosmetic containers.