U.S. patent application number 10/985100 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for show-shade cosmetic case.
Invention is credited to Nancy Lorincz Leppla, Paul Alan Sheppard, Roy Glenn JR. Snider, Gerald Boyd Zinnbauer.
Application Number | 20060096611 10/985100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35841780 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leppla; Nancy Lorincz ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Show-shade cosmetic case
Abstract
A cosmetic package is provided wherein the cover and container
base are packaged in such a way as to allow a view of the product
shade in the base at point of purchase.
Inventors: |
Leppla; Nancy Lorincz;
(Kenwood, OH) ; Sheppard; Paul Alan; (New Freedom,
PA) ; Snider; Roy Glenn JR.; (Lexington, NC) ;
Zinnbauer; Gerald Boyd; (Cornelius, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
35841780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/985100 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/294 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/294 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/24 20060101
A45D033/24 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic package comprising a container base having a cosmetic
product therein and a cover disengaged from said container base in
which said cover is disposed at a first position wherein a cosmetic
product is at least partially exposed and wherein a combined
projected area of the container base and the cover in said first
position is less than a cumulative area of the container base and
the cover.
2. The cosmetic package of claim 1 wherein the container base is
cradled within the cover and the combined projected area of the
container base and the cover is less than about 50% of the
cumulative area of the container base and the cover.
3. The cosmetic package of claim 1 wherein one of the base and the
cover comprises a hinged receiver having an opening therein and an
axis of rotation substantially parallel to the base or the cover,
respectively, and the other of the base and the cover comprises a
protuberance shaped to fit into me opening of said hinge receiver
for an engagement with said hinge receiver so that said cover thus
engaged with the base through the hinged receiver and the
protuberance can rotate about said hinge receiver to open and
close.
4. The cosmetic package of claim 3 wherein the cover is engaged
with the container base by means of a locking ledge on the
protuberance engaged with a locking shelf within said hinge
receiver.
5. The cosmetic package of claim 1 wherein said cosmetic package is
within an outer wrap.
6. The outer wrap of claim 5 selected from the group consisting of
blister wrap, cartons, thermoform clam shells, shrink sleeves,
plastic sleeve and bags, and injection molded containers.
7. A method of directing a consumer to affix the cover and the
container base of claim 1 whereby the cover and the base are joined
by engaging the protuberance and the hinge receiver of said cover
or said base to be substantially parallel to the base or the cover,
respectively, until permanently engaged with said hinge receiver so
that said cover thus engaged with the base through the hinged
receiver and the protuberance can rotate about said binge receiver
to open and close.
8. A method of showing within an outer wrap the contents of a
container base having a cosmetic product therein and a cover
disengaged from said container base wherein said cover is disposed
at a first position in which the cosmetic product is at least
partially exposed and wherein the combined projected area of the
container base and the cover in said first position is less than
the cumulative area of the container base and the cover.
9. A cosmetic package comprising a container base having a cosmetic
product therein and a cover engaged with said container base
wherein said cover is disposed at a first position wherein the
cosmetic product is at least partially exposed and wherein the
combined projected area of the container base and the cover in said
first position Is less than the cumulative area of the container
base and cover and wherein one of the base and the cover comprises
a hinged receiver having an opening therein and an axis of rotation
substantially parallel to the base or the cover, respectively, and
the other of the base and the cover comprises a protuberance shaped
to fit into the opening of said hinge receiver for an engagement
with said hinge receiver so that said cover thus engaged with the
base trough the hinged receiver and the protuberance can rotate
about said hinge receiver to open and close.
10. The cosmetic package of claim 9 wherein said protuberance is
engaged by means of a locking ledge on the protuberance engaged
with a locking shelf within said hinge receiver.
11. The cosmetic package of claim 9 wherein said cover is rotated
within said hinge receiver from said first position to said second
position wherein rotation is ultimately prohibited by a locking lug
on said protuberance that engages with a locking notch on said
hinge receiver.
12. The cosmetic package of claim 9 wherein said cosmetic package
is within an outer wrap.
13. The outer wrap of claim 12 selected from the group consisting
of blister wrap, cartons, thermoform clam shells, shrink sleeves,
plastic sleeve and bags, and injection molded container.
14. A method of directing a consumer to affix the cover and
container base of claim 9 wherein one of the base or the cover is
rotated no more than about 360.degree. within the hinge receiver to
be substantially parallel to the base or the cover, respectively
until permanently engaged with said hinge receiver so that said
cover thus engaged with the base through the hinged receiver and
the protuberance can rotate about said hinge receiver to open and
close.
15. The cosmetic package of claim 1 wherein said cover comprises a
compressible seal.
16. The cosmetic package of claim 9 wherein said cover comprises a
compressible seal.
17. The cosmetic package of claim 9 wherein the container base is
cradled within the cover and the combined projected area of the
container base and the cover is 50% of the cumulative area of the
container base and the cover.
18. A method of doing business whereby a consumer is assisted in
the unaided selection of a cosmetic shade by selecting a cosmetic
shade from an array of cosmetic shades contained within the
cosmetic package of claim 1.
19. A method of doing business whereby a consumer is assisted in
the unaided selection of a cosmetic shade by selecting a cosmetic
shade from an array of cosmetic shades contained within the
cosmetic package of claim 9.
20. A method of doing business whereby a consumer is assisted in
the unaided selection of a cosmetic shade by directing a consumer
to assemble a cosmetic package having a cosmetic product therein
comprising a container base, cover and hinge receiver having an
axis of rotation substantially parallel to the base or the cover,
respectively, and wherein said hinge receiver is separated and held
within the container base by pins and wherein the consumer
permanently engages the cover and the base through the hinged
receiver such that the cover and base arm substantially parallel
and whereby the cosmetic package rotates about said hinge receiver
to open and close.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic case,
particularly, with a post affixed/rotateable hinge to allow for
ease of identification of a shaded colored cosmetic packaged within
the case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For centuries, consumers have bought cosmetic powders in
cases hoping to achieve the perfect "flawless" look. Typically, a
powder of a particular shade can be found in a cosmetic case to
match the desired complexion of the consumer. Matching the color of
the product, however, can be somewhat difficult when the contents
within the compact cannot be seen. Because opaque packaging is
often desired, a conflict occurs creating the inability to clearly
see the specific product shade while packaged on the shelf. Solid
color compacts are often used, particularly, in the case of
cosmetic powders since a solid color is considered better quality
and the placement of mirrors inside are considered a necessary
convenience. Previously, there have been attempts to "show shade"
by displaying a color sample on the package or display card.
Although this aided the consumer in selecting their desired color,
errors could be made when a consumer purchased a particular product
based solely on the color sample. Sometimes, the color of the
sample did not meet the consumer's expectation of the contents
within the package. Although one may employ a transparent lid, it
is not as aesthetically pleasing as an opaque compact due to the
presence of a mirror. Another alternative to "show shade" is to
display the compact in an opened position, which wastes space, or
have the consumer open the package. Such options are not desirable
and can hinder marketing.
[0003] The present invention provides a uniquely designed cosmetic
case which maintains a high quality look yet assists the consumer
in quickly selecting the desired product shade by viewing the
actual product without the necessity of removing the product from
the package.
[0004] The present invention further provides a cosmetic case with
a uniquely designed hinge that allows for the cover and base of the
case to be packaged in a particular configuration that allows the
consumer to view and select the desired product shade.
[0005] The present invention also provides a method of doing
business whereby the cosmetic case of the present invention and the
assembly of such is used as a means of assisting in an unaided
selection of a cosmetic shade from an array of cosmetic shades
available to the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, a cosmetic case is
provided wherein the cover and container base are packaged in such
a way as to allow a view of the product shade in the base. After
point of purchase, the consumer joins the cover and base by either
turning the cover over on the base and snapping the locking
protuberance into the receiver or by rotating the cover from an
angled position to an equal position over the container base. The
cover is then locked into the base by the locking ledge that flexes
through a smaller diameter hole in the hinge receiver and lands on
an internal locking shelf on the inner wall of the hinge receiver.
The consumer then operates the compact as usual, opening and
closing it about the hinge via the front push button. Assembly of
the cover and base or rotation of the cover to become aligned with
the base is no longer required as it is now affixed for
maneuverability about the hinge.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides for a
snap-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover is disengaged from
the container base and is packaged in such a way as to allow for a
consumer to view the contents of the container base while in a
packaging such as a blister package. The cover, for example, may be
packaged underneath the container base in a configuration such as
to cradle the container base. Such configuration is advantageous to
the consumer since it allows for the contents of the container base
to be viewed without the impairment of a cover atop of the
container base. One of the base or cover includes a protuberance
with a ledge formed by the use of a flat surface below a pointed
tip. The consumer is directed to assemble the case by snapping the
protuberance into the hinge receiver of one of the container base
or cover, respectively. The protuberance locks by means of a
locking shelf that allows the container base and cover to be
engaged such that the cover and base cannot be detached. The
cosmetic case then becomes operable to open and close
accordingly.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a
rotate-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover and base are
packaged similarly to the snap-assembly case above such that the
container base sits within the inner face of the cover. The cover
and the container base, however, are already engaged by means of a
rotating hinge during packaging. After point of purchase, the
consumer rotates the cover from underneath the container base so
that the cover and the container base sit along a similar axis. A
locking lug engages a notch on the hinge receiver to prevent the
cover and base from rotating. The cosmetic case will then
articulate around the hinge to open and close.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a
pivot-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover and base are already
engaged by means of a rotating hinge during packaging and are
rotated apart whereas the cover and container base are angled in
relation to each other in order to show the shade of the product.
Distinguished from the previous embodiment, the inner areas of the
cover and container base comprise a first position to face each
other. After point of purchase, the consumer joins the cover and
container base by rotating either part such that the inside
surfaces of the cover and container base are at least about evenly
atop of each other. After assembly and the cover and/or base are
completely rotated, a locking lug engages a notch on the hinge
receiver to lock the compact in a hinged configuration. The compact
then operates accordingly rotating about the hinge. Rotation of the
cover and base is no longer required as the compact is now locked
to rotate about the hinge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] While the specification concludes with claims that
particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is
believed that the present invention will be better understood from
the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cosmetic case of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an inner perspective view of the container base of
the cosmetic case of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an outer perspective view of the cover of the
cosmetic case of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an inner perspective view of the cover of the
cosmetic case of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the snap-assembly cosmetic
case of the present invention as packaged in a cradle position;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover engaged
with the container base of the snap-assembly cosmetic case of the
present invention with the cover in the open position;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a magnified cross-sectional side view of the cover
engaged with the container base of the snap-assembly cosmetic case
of the present invention with the cover in the open position;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the snap-assembly cosmetic
case in an open position after assembly;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cover, hinge receiver and
container base of the pivot-assembly and rotate-assembly cosmetic
case of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of the pivot-assembly cosmetic case of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the protuberance and hinge
receiver of the rotate-assembly and pivot-assembly cosmetic case of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the protuberance, locking lug
and locking notch of the cosmetic case of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly
cosmetic case of the present invention in a first position such as
that found while packaged;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly
cosmetic case of the present invention during rotation; and
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly
cosmetic case of the present invention wherein the rotating
protuberance is locked so that the cosmetic case can open and
close.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention provides for a cosmetic case that
allows the customer to view the product shade while it is shelved
or on display yet is packaged in such a way as to not hinder
marketing. As used herein, "package" is a unitary means by which
the cosmetic case of the present invention is shelved, displayed,
stored or shipped. The outer wrap can comprise a variety of
materials such as blisters, cartons, thermoform clam shells, shrink
sleeves, plastic sleeve and bags, injection molded container and
the like.
[0027] As used herein, the position of the cover relative to the
container base when the cover and the base are packaged together as
a package unit is described as the "first position". The "second
position" as used herein describes the position of the cover
(locked) engaged with the base so that the cosmetic case can be
opened and closed by the cover rotating about the hinge. In the
first position, the cover is disposed such that a combined
projected area of both the cover and the base totals no more than a
sum of an individual total area of the cover and an individual
total area of the base. In other words, within the package unit the
total area defined by the base and the cover in combination is not
greater than the sum of individual total areas of the base and the
cover. This is so because in the packaged unit the cover and the
base are at least partially superimposed in plan view, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 10 and 13. The areas of the cover and of the base are
defined by their respective perimeters, as one skilled in the art
will appreciate. When added together as described above, these
areas are hereby referred to as "cumulative area". For example, if
the area of the cover is "A" and the area of the container base is
"B", the cumulative area is A+B. The "projected area" as used
herein refers to the combined areas of the area of the cover and
the area of the base in a packaged unit, when the cover is in the
first position. As opposed to the cumulative area, the projected
area can vary depending on the position of the cover with respect
to the base. For given sizes of cosmetic cases, the cumulative area
is constant and will not change regardless of the disposition of
the cover and base. In the packaged unit, the cosmetic case of the
present invention comprises a combined projected area of no more
than about 95% of the cumulative area. Specifically, the combined
projected area is no more than about 85%, more specifically no more
than about 75%, more specifically no more than about 65%, and even
more specifically no more than about 50% of the cumulative area of
the cosmetic case. The second position of the cosmetic case of the
present invention can be seen in the closed position as shown
generally in FIG. 5 or the open position as shown generally in FIG.
8. In the second position when closed, either the base or the cover
is rotated parallel or at least substantially parallel to the base
or cover, respectively.
[0028] Through mechanisms described herein, cosmetic cases of the
present invention can be engaged and thus assembled by a variety of
means. Specifically, the present invention provides for an
engagement means such as a hinge. Cosmetic cases of the present
invention can comprise a variety of sizes to hold various products
such as foundation, powders, blush, eye shadow, lip products and
the like.
[0029] The present invention provides in FIG. 1 generally for a
cosmetic case 100 wherein the cover and container base are packaged
in such a way as to allow a view of the product shade in the base.
While the present invention provides for three variations of such
cosmetic case, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that
many elements are common amongst the various cosmetic cases.
Specifically, the various cosmetic cases are represented herein as
Snap-assembly 101, FIGS. 1-8; Pivot-assembly 102, FIGS. 9-12; and
Rotate-assembly 103, FIGS. 9, 11-15.
[0030] Generally FIG. 1 provides for a cosmetic case 100 and more
specifically, a snap-assembly cosmetic case 101 that allows the
customer to view the product shade while shelved or on display yet
is packaged in such a way as to not hinder marketing. The cosmetic
case 100 includes a container base 124 and a corresponding cover
128. The container base 124 and the corresponding cover 128 have an
outside perimeter that can vary according to size and may measure
from about 20 to about 200 mm.
[0031] Referring generally to FIG. 2, the container base 124 has a
bottom 132 and a peripheral wall 136. The bottom 132 may have a
thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm. The container base peripheral
wall 136 preferably has a thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm in the
front area and a height of about 5 to about 15 mm at the center of
the side. The container base 124 includes an interior compartment
for containing a cosmetic product. The area of the interior
compartment can comprise all product within the compartment or the
interior compartment may be divided to comprise more than one
interior compartment. For example, there may be two interior
compartments (upper and lower or left and right, respectively). The
upper interior compartment 140 for containing the cosmetic product
such as face powder, compact face powder, foundation powder, eye
shadow, blushes and the like. The cosmetic product can sit within a
pan 138 (FIG. 1) to hold the cosmetic and the pan 138 (FIG. 1) sits
within the upper interior compartment 140 of the cosmetic case. The
upper interior compartment 140 can comprise an area of from no less
than about 30%, specifically no less than about 60% and no more
than about 80%, specifically no more than about 60% of the total
area of the container base. The lower interior compartment 144 may
include an area for containing an applicator (e.g., sponge, puff,
brush or the like). The lower interior compartment 144 can comprise
an area of from no less than about 20%, specifically no less than
about 40% and no more than about 70%, specifically no more than
about 40% of the total area of the container base. The lower
interior compartment 144 may be solid but it may also be aerated
through the bottom of the container base 124 with aerated holes 146
to ensure proper storage of applicator devices. A latching device
184 is located in the front end wall 180 of the container base 124.
The latching device 184 may include several components that provide
the opening and locking/securing functions for the cosmetic case
100. One component of the latching device 184 that provides such
features is the push button 188. When closed, the push button 188
will be engaged with a cover clasp 192 (FIG. 4) on the cover 128 to
keep the compact closed when not in use.
[0032] Referring generally back to FIG. 1, the container base
peripheral wall 136 has a base notch 148 in the rear of the wall
136. The base notch 148 is sized to hold a hinge receiver 150 of
the present invention. The base peripheral wall 136, the base notch
148 and the hinge receiver 150 contain pin holes 160 wherein pins
162 are inserted as a means of engaging the hinge receiver 150 to
the container base 124. (Pin holes 160 and pins 162 are generally
seen in FIG. 9). The pin holes 160 on the hinge receiver 150 are
inserted into the side of the hinge receiver 150. If the hinge
receiver 150 is found specifically on the snap-assembly cosmetic
case 101, the hinge receiver 151 may have a square top opening 153
comprising a locking shelf 156 within at least one wall of the
hinge receiver 151. Specifically, the locking shelf 156 can be
located within the front and/or rear wall of the hinge receiver
151. Specifically referring to FIG. 9, if the hinge receiver 150 is
found on the pivot assembly cosmetic case 102 or the rotate
assembly cosmetic case 103 of the present invention, the top
opening 154 of the hinge receiver 152 may be round comprising a
locking shelf 156 within at least one wall of the hinge receiver
and a locking notch 158 within one area on the hinge receiver 152
(also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). The locking shelf 156 allows the
cover 128 of the cosmetic case to lock into the container base 128
after assembly while the locking notch 158 prevents the cover 128
from rotating after assembly.
[0033] Referring generally to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover 128 has a
top 198 and a cover peripheral wall 202. The top 198 has a
thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm. The cover peripheral wall 202
has a thickness and height of about 1 to about 5 mm. Referring to
FIG. 4, the cover 128 can include an upper inner area 204 providing
a volume for containing a mirror 207 (FIG. 8) or reflecting device
and/or light herein referred to as "mirror well" 204. The cover 128
may also include a lower inner area providing a volume for
containing a compressible seal 206 (FIG. 8) that fits over the
contents held within the container base 124, herein referred to as
"seal well" 208.
[0034] Referring generally to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover 128 contains
a molded or hinged protuberance 170 below the top of the cover 198
containing a locking ledge 173 that is shaped and sized to engage
with the locking shelf 156 within the top opening 153 of the
snap-assembly hinge receiver 151 or the top opening 154 of the
pivot-assembly/rotate-assembly hinge receiver 152 (FIG. 9). The
protuberance 170 is located no more than about 10 mm and no less
than about 3 mm below the top of the cover 198, the protuberance
170 is designed to interact with the hinge receiver 150 such that
when the cover 128 is affixed to the container base 124, the
protuberance 170 locks to prohibit the disassembly of the cover 128
and container base 124. In the case of the snap-assembly cosmetic
case 101, the protuberance 171 and hinge receiver 151 are designed
to ensure proper assembly so that the cover 128 cannot be assembled
backwards. The hinge receiver 150 becomes the means by which the
cosmetic case 100 will open and close. The cover 128 will now
rotate about the hinge receiver 150. As used herein "rotate about
the hinge receiver" refers to the fact that the protuberance has
been locked and held within the hinge receiver 150 in order that
the cover 128 can rotate about the hinge 150 to open and shut.
After the second position of the cosmetic case 100 has been met,
the cosmetic case 100 now operates by opening and closing similarly
to conventional cosmetic cases. Preferably, the cosmetic case 100
of the present invention will open and close along the y-axis. The
cosmetic case 100 may also open and close along the x and z
axes.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, the cosmetic case 100 can be opened by
the pushing the push button 188 in inwardly. When the pushing
surface of the push button 188 is pressed inwardly, the button 188
is released from the clasp 192 on the cover 128 allowing the
compact cover 128 to be unclasped. When closing the cosmetic case
100, the cover 128 and the container base 124 are brought together
as they rotate about the hinge 150 until the clasp 192 on the cover
128 is engaged with the push button 188. With the cosmetic case 100
in its closed position (FIG. 5), it is now ready to be opened by
inwardly pressing the push button 188 as previously described
above. With the cosmetic case 100 in its closed position (FIG. 5),
the compressible seal 206 allows the product within the container
base 124 to contain volatile components. The length of the
protuberance 170 (FIG. 4) and the length of hinge receiver 150 can
be adjusted to determine the amount of compression on the seal
206.
[0036] The cosmetic case 100 can be made of a resilient material
such as a synthetic resin. Examples of synthetic resins useful for
the present invention are styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN) or
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The hinge receiver 150 can
be molded of a stronger material than the cosmetic case.
Previously, compacts, particularly, round compacts, have had
relatively weak hinge systems.
[0037] Compacts that have had a curvature shape in conjunction with
a pin hinge were usually susceptible to concentrated stress in the
hinge creating a break point. Because the hinge receiver 150 is a
separate piece from the cosmetic case, it can be molded of a
different material which is advantageous to the overall
functionality since this will allow the materials used between the
case and the receiver to be different. By having different
materials, the hinge receiver 150 is able to be made of a stronger
material which will strengthen the overall hinge system and reduce
the stress effect of the cosmetic case 100. The material of the
hinge receiver 150 is strong yet will not shatter or deform.
Materials used to enhance strength of the cosmetic case 100 are
selected from the group consisting of
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, and nylon.
These materials will provide a smooth, resistant bearing surface
that will provide a quality feel to the cosmetic case. In addition
to providing strength, it is also desired that the material of the
hinge receiver 150 allow for significant flexibility without
breakage. Flexible materials useful in the present invention should
operate within the working range and not extend beyond the stress
yield point. Materials useful for providing flexibility to the
hinge receiver 150 can be made of a material selected from the
group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE) and mixtures thereof. Through the use of the hinge
receiver 150, the physical characteristics of the cosmetic case 100
can dramatically change. Previously, compacts were made of low cost
materials that created pressure within the hinge to allow the cover
to pop open when the push button was engaged. These materials,
however would cause creeping and a loss in shape due to low memory
characteristics. "Creep" as used herein refers to the process of
the plastic to lose its original shape. As used herein, "memory"
relates to the ability of the plastic to return to its original
manufactured form. Thus, it is desirable for the cosmetic case 100
of the present invention to utilize materials that have high memory
characteristics yet do not creep nor lose shape. Examples of such
high memory materials include, but are not limited to, TPE,
urethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), polybutyl, polyethylene and
mixtures thereof.
[0038] The hinge receiver 150 can also comprise a built-in float
that allows the cover 128 to move freely within the hinge receiver
150 and move evenly over the pan 138 to provide an even seal around
the compact. The float also allows the cover 128 to rise within
range of the hinge 150 which reduces pressure around the seal 206
when the cover 128 is closed. The pressure exerted on the seal 206
can also be varied by adjusting the length of the protuberance 170
in order to determine the amount of float the cover 128 will
achieve. The protuberance 170 is designed to be slightly longer
than the distance needed to fit past the locking shelf 156. The
design of the hinge receiver 150 and protuberance 170 controls the
amount of compression and/or gap between the cover 128 and the
container base 124 thereby aiding in providing an even contact with
the cover 128 and base 124 that ensures an even pressure and a good
seal.
[0039] Although particular embodiments of the present invention
have been shown and described, modifications may be made to the
cosmetic case I 00 without departing from the teachings of the
present invention. The terms used in describing the invention and
the configuration herein are used in their descriptive sense and
not as terms of limitation, it being intended that all equivalents
thereof be included within the scope of the appended claims. Any
configuration which performs to create the previously mentioned
market advantages, are included within the scope of this
description.
Snap-Assembly Cosmetic Case
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the snap-assembly cosmetic case 101 of
the present invention provides for a cover disposed at a first
position that is disengaged from the container base 124. The
contents within the container base 124 are at least partially
exposed if not fully exposed. For example, when the cosmetic case
101 is packaged, it can be packaged in a cradle orientation. In the
cradle orientation, the container base 101 is placed on the top of
the cover 128, so the contents of the product held within the pan
138 within the upper interior area 140 of the container base 124
can be viewed. Specifically, the cradle orientation allows the
container base 124 to be packaged face up and stacked on the cover
128 such that the surface of the bottom of the container base 124
is in contact with the inside surface of the cover 128.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the consumer purchases the
product, the cover 128 is engaged with the container base 124 by
turning the cover 128 over onto the container base 124 and snapping
the protuberance 171 into the hinge receiver 151. The cover 128 and
container base 124 are engaged by the now locked protuberance 171.
Because of the locking shelf 156 within the hinge receiver 151 and
the locking ledge 173 on the protuberance 171, the consumer is able
to properly assemble the case such that the cover 128 is not
snapped in backwards. The locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge
173 also prevents the cover 128 from being disengaged from the
container base 124. The cosmetic case 101 continues to operate as
generally described above, opening as in FIG. 8.
Pivot-Assembly Cosmetic Case
[0042] Referring to FIG. 9, the pivot-assembly case 102 of the
present invention comprises a cover 128 and container base 124
wherein the cover and container base are packaged such that the
cover 128 and container base 124 are engaged by means of a hinge
152. The locking shelf 156 within the hinge receiver 152 and the
locking ledge 173 on the protuberance 172 prevents the cover 128
from disengaging from the container base 124. (See also, FIGS. 11
and 12). Referring to FIG. 10, the cover 128 is rotated at an angle
in relation to the container base 124 in order to show the shade of
the product while packaged. Referring again to FIG. 9, the cover
128 or container base 124 is able to rotate within the hinge
receiver 152 by means of the engaged protuberance 172 and is angled
such that the contents of the container base 124 are exposed. As
used herein, "rotate within the hinge receiver" is distinguished
from "rotate about the hinge receiver". To rotate within the hinge
receiver 152 means that the protuberance 172 is inserted within the
top opening 154 of the hinge receiver 152 but is not yet locked
such that the cover 128 is able to rotate as much as 360.degree.
within the hinge receiver 152. Rotation will ultimately be
prevented by the engagement of the locking lug 157 and locking
notch 158 on the hinge receiver 152. Once rotation has been
prevented, the cover 128 will only rotate about the hinge receiver
152 to open and close the cosmetic case 102 conventionally as
generally described above. While packaged, the cover 128 is able to
rotate within the hinge receiver 152 no more than about
180.degree., specifically no more than about 120.degree., more
specifically no more than about 90.degree., even more specifically
no more than about 75.degree., even more specifically no more than
about 60.degree. and no less than about 40.degree., more
specifically no less than about 20.degree., even more specifically
no less than about 10.degree. from the axis of the container base
124. During assembly, the consumer pivots the cover 128 from the
angled position to evenly sit atop of the container base 124 where
it is lined up along the same axis to form the second position. The
locking lug 157 and locking notch 158 locks the cover 128 in place
in order to prohibit the cover 128 from continuing to pivot. The
locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge 173 prevents the cover 128
from being removed from the container base 124.
Rotate-Assembly Cosmetic Case
[0043] Referring to FIG. 13, the rotate-assembly case 103 also
comprises a cover 128 and container base 124 that are engaged
during packaging. The container base 124, however, can be cradled
wherein the container base 124 sits within the cover 128. The
locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge 173 prevents the cover 128
from being removed from the container base 124. (FIGS. 11 and 12).
To assemble the rotate-assembly case, the consumer rotates the
cover 128 from underneath the container base 124 as shown in FIG.
14. Although the cover 128 is able to rotate 360.degree., rotation
will be haulted with the help of the engagement between the locking
lug 157 and locking notch 158 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Specifically, the
cover 128 is able to rotate 180.degree. within the hinge receiver
152. Referring to FIG. 15, the container base 103 is positioned to
operate conventionally, to open and close as generally described
above.
[0044] In a preferred execution of the cosmetic case of the present
invention the elements of the cosmetic case will have the
dimensions previously mentioned. It is understood, however, that
these dimensions are closely related and that if the dimensions of
one element are changed substantially, corresponding dimensional
changes may have to be made in the others.
[0045] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by
reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as
an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present
invention.
[0046] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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