WO2012154709A1

WO2012154709A1 - Sliding top compact

Info

Publication number: WO2012154709A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/036871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sten Rundberg
Original assignee: Nypro Inc.
Priority date: 2011-05-10
Filing date: 2012-05-08
Publication date: 2012-11-15

Abstract

A small, portable container (500) with a sliding top. The container (500) has a lower portion (512) that defines one or more compartments (533) to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator. The container (500) also has a cover portion (590) constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion (512). The lower portion (512) and the cover portion (590) each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. One of the lower portion (512) and the cover portion (590) defines elongated slots (566, 567) that are parallel to the peripheral edges, and the other of the lower portion (512) and the cover portion (590) defines rails (544, 545) located in the slots (566, 567). There is also one or more bi-stable springs (596, 597) coupled to both the lower portion (512) and the cover portion (590). A mirror (570) covers essentially all of the upper side of the cover portion (590).

Description

Sliding Top Compact

Field

This disclosure relates to a container such as a compact with a sliding top.

Background

Compacts are used to hold makeup and ancillary items. Compacts with sliding tops are desirable. However, the top needs to open and close smoothly, while at the same time the compact needs to be thin and economically manufacturable.

Summary

A portable container for holding cosmetics or other skin-care compositions and the like. The container (herein mainly termed "compact") has a top or lid that slides relative to the base, as opposed to the typical compact in which the top or lid pivots about a horizontal axis relative to the base.

The examples shown in the drawings are all compacts that are designed to carry cosmetics, but that is not a limitation of the disclosure as the device need not carry cosmetics. For example the device could be used to hold other compositions and/or structures, e.g., skin care products and accessories such as brushes and pads for cosmetic and skin care, and may also include a mirror. The device has a lid or cover that slides from a closed position in which the interior is covered to an open position that provides access to the interior.

The disclosure includes a compact for containing cosmetics, for example. The device could be used to hold other compositions and/or structures, e.g., skin care products and accessories such as brushes and pads for cosmetic and skin care, and may also include a mirror. The compact has a lid or cover that slides from a closed position in which the interior is covered to an open position that provides access to the interior.

The container or compact comprises a lower portion and an upper portion or cover portion. In general, the cover slides relative to the lower portion to reveal compartments in a tray. These compartments can hold cosmetics, application devices or any other devices, products or substances, for example. The sliding motion takes place using a slide mechanism that is preferably made out of a low friction plastic material. The cover engages with the slide mechanism in a fashion that allows the cover to slide relative to the lower portion to move between the closed position and the open position. This disclosure features a small, portable container with a sliding top. The container has a lower portion that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator and a cover portion constructed and adapted to slide relative to the lower portion. The lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. One of the lower portion and the cover portion defines elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges, and the other of the lower portion and the cover portion defines rails located in the slots. There is also a bi-stable spring coupled to both the lower portion and the cover portion. The top of the cover portion is essentially completely covered by a mirror.

The lower portion and the cover portion may each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. One of the lower portion and the cover portion may define elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges and the other of the lower portion and the cover portion may define rails located in the slots. The lower portion may comprise a base, and a slide mechanism that is coupled to the base. The slide mechanism may define the rails. The cover portion may comprise a lid that defines the slots. The container may include two bi-stable springs, each spring coupled to the slide mechanism and to the underside of the lid. The slide mechanism may define spring-receiving posts intermediate each of the rails.

The lower portion may further comprise a tray that is coupled to the base. The tray may define a plurality of separate compartments. The cover portion may include hooks that are received in the lower portion. The lower portion may comprise a base, and a slide mechanism and a tray that are both coupled to the base. The tray may define small cavities in which the hooks are located when the container is in the closed position. The base may define grooves on which the hooks ride.

The container may include one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position. The container may alternatively include one or more magnets located within one of the lower portion and the cover portion and one or more ferromagnetic members located in the other of the lower portion and the cover portion, the magnets and the ferromagnetic members located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

In a more specific example this disclosure features a small, portable container with a sliding top comprising a thin, generally planar lower portion that comprises a base, and a slide mechanism and a tray that are both coupled to the base, wherein the slide mechanism defines two elongated, parallel peripheral rails and the tray defines a plurality of separate compartments constructed and arranged to hold substances or devices. There is a thin, generally planar cover portion constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion generally parallel to the plane of the lower portion, wherein the cover portion comprises a lid that defines elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges, wherein the rails of the slide mechanism are located in the slots. A mirror covers essentially all of the cover portion. There are two bi-stable springs, each spring coupled to the slide mechanism and to the underside of the lid, wherein the slide mechanism defines spring-receiving posts intermediate each of the rails. The lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. The cover portion includes hooks that are received in the lower portion, wherein the tray defines cavities in which the hooks are located when the container is in the closed position and wherein the base defines grooves on which the hooks ride.

The container may further include one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

Alternatively, the container may further include one or more magnets located within one of the lower portion and the cover portion and one or more ferromagnetic members located in the other of the lower portion and the cover portion, the magnets and the ferromagnetic members located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1-9 illustrate a first example, figure 10 illustrates a second example, and figures 11-14 illustrate a third example.

Figures 1 A and IB are top and bottom perspective exploded views of an example of the container. Figures 2A and 2B are top and bottom perspective views of the lid.

Figures 3 A and 3B are top and bottom perspective views of the slide cover.

Figures 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views of the slide mechanism.

Figures 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views of the tray.

Figures 6A and 6B are top and bottom perspective views of the base.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the compact in the open position.

Figures 8A and 8B are perspective and end views of a width-wise cross section in the open position.

Figure 8C is an enlarged view of area "A" of figure 8B.

Figures 9A and 9B are top and bottom views of the open compact.

Figures 10A and 10B are partially broken away views of another example of a compact in the closed and open positions, respectively.

Figures 11 A and 1 IB illustrate yet another example of a compact in the closed and open positions, respectively.

Figure 12A illustrates the bottom side of the cover portion, and Figure 12B is an enlarged view of portion "A" of figure 12A showing one of the hooks.

Figures 13A and 13B are greatly enlarged perspective and end views of a section of the compact in the closed position, taken through the hooks.

Figures 14A and 14B are greatly enlarged perspective and end views of a section of the compact in the open position, taken through the hooks.

Description of Examples

Compact 500 is shown in figures 1 through 9. Cover portion 590 slides on lower portion 512. Tray 530 defines one or more volumes 533 that hold makeup, other substances, or devices that need to be accessed by the user. Tray 530 further defines retaining tabs such as tabs 531 and 532. The tray has these and other features that interact with retaining features 522 in base 520. There are similar complementary retaining features in slide mechanism 540 and base 520, such as opening 543. Slide mechanism 540 defines side longitudinal rails 544 and 545 that fit into longitudinal slots or recesses 566 and 567 in lid 560. Slide cover 550 defines projection 552 and recess with tabs 551; recess or setback 551 is for tooling convenience. Tabs 553 and 554 in recess 551, as well as projections 552 and 565, are features that allow slide cover 550 to snap fit to lid 560. In this example, essentially the entire exterior portion of cover 590 is defined by mirror 570 that is adhered or otherwise fixed to the outside surface of lid 560. Lid 560 has opening 562 that is for molding purposes (to reach the undercut with a core), and spring retaining features 563 that retain the interior ends of bi-stable springs 596 and 597 whose other ends are coupled to spring retaining posts 542 and 541 that are located at about the midpoint of the rails at the upper margins of slide mechanism 540. The result is a compact that can be up to about two millimeters thinner than a similar compact which has a bridge structure in the overlap area between the cover and the lower portion.

The sliding functionality is accomplished with the use of one or more bi-stable springs that are coupled at each end to a spring retaining post or the like. Each of the parts, with the exception of the spring, can be injection molded of an appropriate plastic material. The spring is typically formed from a metal wire and has a known bi-stability in which it is stable in two positions that define the open and closed position of the container.

Figures 10A and 10B are partially cutaway views of compact 600 in the closed and open positions, respectively, showing an example of magnetic assistance in maintaining the closed position. Cover portion 602 and lower portion 604 each carry one or more magnets and/or ferromagnetic members that are located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the cover and lower portion in the closed position shown in figure 10A. In this non-limiting example, magnet 606 is located inside of the corner of cover portion 602. Ferromagnetic member 608 (which may be a steel slug) is located within the corner of lower portion 604 that is directly under magnet 606 when compact 600 is closed. Preferably there is an identical set of a magnet and a slug (not shown) in the other corner 610. Note that two magnets could be used instead of a magnet and a ferromagnetic member. Magnetic attraction between the top and base when the compact is in the closed position, so as to help maintain the closed position, can be accomplished in other manners, but typically includes at least one magnet in the top or lower portion, and at least one magnet or ferromagnetic member in the other of the top and lower member, and that are vertically aligned when the compact is closed.

Compact 700 illustrated in figures 11-14 differs from the other two examples in that the cover portion 790 carries "J"-shaped hooks 762 and 763 that help to keep the cover portion from being lifted up off of lower portion 712 in a pivoting manner; since most compacts have been opened by pivoting the cover rather than sliding it as is the case with the examples shown herein, it is expected that users might try to force a pivoting motion of the cover, which could derail the cover from the lower portion. When compact 700 is closed (see figures 13A and 13B), hooks 762 and 763 are located in cavities in tray 730 formed between cavity upper walls 733 and 735 and cavity lower walls 734 and 736 that lie very close to the hooks. If the user attempts to pivot the lid the hooks will contact these walls. As the cover can't be pivoted without breaking the hooks, pivoting will be effectively inhibited.

Hooks 762 and 763 ride along grooves 731 and 732 formed at the inner top of base 720 such that they can slide on the base. In the open position shown in figures 14A and 14B the hooks engage with slide mechanism 740. As with the other two examples mechanism 740 defines rails 744 and 745 that ride within slots 766 and 767 in lid 760. Also as with the other examples compact 700 includes a base 720 that carries tray 730, and mirror 770. Other aspects of compact 700 are identical to those of compact 500 and so are not detailed in the drawings or described herein.

Note that although the examples are constructed from a number of separate injection- molded plastic parts (plus the metal spring), this is not a limitation of the invention as those skilled in the field will understand that the device could be made of different materials, or be made of fewer or even a greater number of parts. Preferably all or almost all of the parts are made of one or more plastics such as polypropylenes, polycarbonates, styrenes, polyesters, acrylics or blends of these materials, unfilled or reinforced. However, there are no limitations for which material that could be used. The slide mechanism is preferably made from a low friction plastic such as acetal, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide, but the function is not limited to these materials. These materials can also include materials with lubrication like PTFE or silicone, and reinforcements such as glass.

Other examples will occur to those skilled in the field and are within the scope of the claims. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A small, portable container with a sliding top, comprising:

a thin, generally planar lower portion that defines one or more compartments to hold substances or devices;

a thin, generally planar cover portion constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion generally parallel to the plane of the lower portion;

a mirror covering essentially all of the cover portion; and

at least one bi-stable spring coupled to both the lower portion and the cover portion.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed; and

wherein one of the lower portion and the cover portion defines elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges and the other of the lower portion and the cover portion defines rails located in the slots.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the lower portion comprises a base, and a slide mechanism that is coupled to the base.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein the slide mechanism defines the rails.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein the cover portion comprises a lid that defines the slots.

6. The container of claim 5 comprising two bi-stable springs, each spring coupled to the slide mechanism and to the underside of the lid.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein the slide mechanism defines spring-receiving posts intermediate each of the rails.

8. The container of claim 2 wherein the lower portion further comprises a tray that is coupled to the base.

9. The container of claim 8 wherein the tray defines a plurality of separate compartments.

10. The container of claim 2 wherein the cover portion includes hooks that are received in the lower portion.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the lower portion comprises a base, and a slide mechanism and a tray that are both coupled to the base.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the tray defines small cavities in which the hooks are located when the container is in the closed position.

13. The container of claim 12 wherein the base defines grooves on which the hooks ride.

14. The container of claim 1 further comprising one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

15. The container of claim 1 further comprising one or more magnets located within one of the lower portion and the cover portion and one or more ferromagnetic members located in the other of the lower portion and the cover portion, the magnets and the ferromagnetic members located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

16. A small, portable container with a sliding top, comprising:

a thin, generally planar lower portion that comprises a base, and a slide mechanism and a tray that are both coupled to the base, wherein the slide mechanism defines two elongated, parallel peripheral rails and the tray defines a plurality of separate compartments constructed and arranged to hold substances or devices;

a thin, generally planar cover portion constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion generally parallel to the plane of the lower portion, wherein the cover portion comprises a lid that defines elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges, wherein the rails of the slide mechanism are located in the slots;

a mirror covering essentially all of the cover portion;

two bi-stable springs, each spring coupled to the slide mechanism and to the underside of the lid, wherein the slide mechanism defines spring-receiving posts intermediate each of the rails; wherein the lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed; and

wherein the cover portion includes hooks that are received in the lower portion, wherein the tray defines cavities in which the hooks are located when the container is in the closed position and wherein the base defines grooves on which the hooks ride.

17. The container of claim 16 further comprising one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

18. The container of claim 16 further comprising one or more magnets located within one of the lower portion and the cover portion and one or more ferromagnetic members located in the other of the lower portion and the cover portion, the magnets and the ferromagnetic members located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.