U.S. patent application number 11/131102 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for cosmetic case.
Invention is credited to Pamela Marie Kaiser, Stephanie Anne Kaiser.
Application Number | 20060231116 11/131102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37107305 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060231116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaiser; Stephanie Anne ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Cosmetic case
Abstract
A cosmetic case is provided that includes a frame and a
plurality of vertically tiered compartments for the storage of
cosmetics and other personal items. The compartments of the
plurality are independent and can each pivot laterally to an open
position about a pivot shaft associated with the frame. The case is
provided with a mirror which can occupy either a storage position
or a viewing position. The mirror storage position can be located
in the frame or in a compartment, preferably an uppermost
compartment that is hinged on a horizontal axis. Optionally, the
case can include a second pivot shaft enabling desired compartments
each to pivot in an opposed lateral direction to an open position
so that more than one compartment can be opened without interfering
with access. Preferably the compartments are provided with a
releasable retaining means in the closed position, and preferably
the frame is provided with a carrying member.
Inventors: |
Kaiser; Stephanie Anne;
(Chicago, IL) ; Kaiser; Pamela Marie; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLSON & HIERL, LTD.
20 NORTH WACKER DRIVE
36TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
37107305 |
Appl. No.: |
11/131102 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60672830 |
Apr 19, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/295 ;
132/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/20 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45D 33/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/295 ;
132/304 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/22 20060101
A45D033/22; A45D 42/02 20060101 A45D042/02 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic case comprising: a frame including a lower portion,
an upper portion and a back portion extending therebetween; at
least one pivot member extending between said lower portion and
said upper portion; a plurality of compartments located between
said lower portion and said upper portion, each said compartment
having a bottom panel defining a perimeter and a continuously
extending raised side edge about said perimeter, each said
compartment further defining an opening for receiving said at least
one pivot member whereby each said compartment is independently
pivotable ab out said pivot member; and a mirror positionable in
one of two positions, a first position being a non-viewable storage
position, and a second position being a case-supported viewable
position.
2. The case of claim 1 wherein said first position comprises a
first slot defined in said frame, said first slot including an
opening through which said mirror can be slidably inserted and
removed.
3. The case of claim 2 wherein said first slot in reversably
associated with the rear side of said back portion.
4. The case of claim 2 wherein said second position is defined by
an auxiliary, angularly extending second slot defined in said frame
adjacent to said first slot, said second slot for receiving a lower
portion of said mirror when said mirror is removed from said first
position, whereby said mirror is supported at an inclined angle for
viewing.
5. The case of claim 1 wherein said mirror is positioned adjacent
an uppermost compartment, and uppermost compartment can be moved
into either one of said first and said second positions, said first
position being achieved when said uppermost compartment is in a
closed position, and said second position being achieved when said
uppermost compartment is in an open, inclined position.
6. The case of claim 5 wherein: said uppermost compartment has a
rear portion which is associated with an upper rear portion of said
frame by hinge means so that said uppermost compartment is upwardly
pivotable to an inclined position relative to said frame from a
closed position; and said mirror is associated with the bottom face
of said uppermost compartment; whereby said first position is
achieved when said uppermost compartment is in said closed position
and said second position is achieved when said uppermost
compartment is in said inclined position.
7. The case of claim 1 wherein said uppermost compartment includes
a lid that is hingably connected to the rear of said raised edge,
said mirror is positioned on the inside of said lid, said first
position is achieved when said lid is in a closed position, and
said second position is achieved when said lid is pivoted upwardly
to an open position.
8. The case of claim 1 wherein said mirror is positioned inside one
compartment and wherein said mirror is viewable when said one
compartment is in an open position.
9. The case of claim 8 wherein said one compartment is the
uppermost one of said plurality of compartments, said one
compartment is fixed to said back portion and covered by said upper
portion, and said upper portion is hinged to said back portion,
whereby said mirror is viewable when said upper portion is
opened.
10. The case of claim 1 wherein said mirror is received in a
storage location situated adjacent to the back side of said back
portion, is slidably raisable from said storage location relative
to said back portion, and, when so raised, a bottom portion of said
mirror is supportable by said frame.
11. The case of claim 1 wherein a slot is defined in said frame for
receiving said bottom portion of said mirror whereby said mirror is
angularly positionable and supportable for viewing within said
slot.
12. The case of claim 10 wherein said mirror when in said storage
location is nestably received in a chamber defined in said back
portion.
13. A portable case for cosmetics and the like comprising: a frame
having a lower portion, an upper portion, and a back portion, said
lower portion and said upper portion each extending in spaced,
parallel relationship relative to each other outwardly from said
back portion, said back portion having a perimeter defining a
parallelogram with opposed upper and lower edge regions that are in
spaced parallel relationship relative to each other; said upper
portion and said lower portion each having a similar perimeter,
said perimeter defining a forward region and a rear region, the
respective opposite ends of each said region meeting whereby when
an end of said rear region meets an end of said forward region, an
acute angle is defined; a pivot shaft member extending between said
lower portion and said upper portion adjacent to said back portion
and also to said acute angle; a plurality of compartments, each
having a perimeter corresponding to that of said similar perimeter,
said compartment plurality being arranged in a vertically tiered
and aligned sequence and being located between said upper portion
and said lower portion and adjacent to said back portion; each said
compartment comprising a bottom panel having said perimeter and a
continuously extending, raised side edge about said perimeter and
defining an upwardly opening cavity therein; each said compartment
having connection means for pivotably associating that compartment
with an adjacent portion of said pivot shaft member when said
compartment plurality is in said vertically tiered and aligned
sequence and is located between said upper portion and said lower
portion; whereby each said compartment with said cavity thereof
oriented upwardly is independently pivotable about said pivot shaft
member between a closed position located generally in said tiered
and aligned sequence and an open position located generally
laterally of said tiered and aligned sequence; releasable means for
retaining each said compartment in said closed position; means for
suspending and transporting said frame in association with said
plurality of compartments all being in their respective closed
positions; and a mirror positionable successively in each one of
two positions, a first position being a non-viewable
case-associated storage position, and a second position being a
case-supported viewable position.
14. The case of claim 13 wherein said first position comprises a
first slot defined in said frame, said first slot including an
opening through which said mirror can be slidably inserted and
removed.
15. The case of claim 14 wherein said first slot is associated with
the rear side of said back member.
16. The case of claim 14 wherein said second position is defined by
an auxiliary, angularly extending second slot defined in said frame
adjacent to said first slot, said second slot for receiving a lower
portion of said mirror when said mirror is removed from said first
position, whereby said mirror is supported at an inclined angle for
viewing.
17. The case of claim 13 wherein said mirror is positioned inside
of an uppermost compartment, said first position is achieved when
said uppermost compartment is in a closed position, and said second
position is achieved when said uppermost compartment is in an open
position.
18. The case of claim 17 wherein: said uppermost compartment has a
rear portion which is associated with an upper rear portion of said
frame by hinge means so that said uppermost compartment is upwardly
pivotable to an inclined position relative to said frame from a
closed position; and said mirror is associated with the bottom face
of said uppermost compartment; whereby said first position is
achieved when said uppermost compartment is in said closed position
and said second position is achieved when said uppermost
compartment is in said inclined position.
19. The case of claim 13 wherein said uppermost compartment
includes a lid that is hingably connected to the rear of said
raised edge, said mirror is positioned on the inside of said lid,
said first position is achieved when said lis is in a closed
position, and said second position is achieved when said lid is
pivoted upwardly to an open position.
20. The case of claim 13 wherein, in said perimeter, said forward
region extends arcuately and said rear region extends straight.
21. The case of claim 20 wherein said forward region extends in a
hemi-circular manner.
22. The case of claim 13 wherein said parallelogram defines a
rectangular configuration and each of said compartment plurality in
said layered and aligned sequence is perpendicularly oriented
relative to other said compartment.
23. The case of claim 13 wherein said releasable means comprises a
flexible strap one end of which is mounted to one of said upper and
lower portions while the other end of which is detachably
associated with the other one of said upper and lower portions.
24. The case of claim 13 wherein said releasable means comprises
detent means that releasably engages an aligned receiving pocket
whereby each pivotable compartment is independently retainable in a
closed position.
25. The case of claim 13 wherein each of said compartments has a
receiving pocket that engages a different detent means engageable
therewith that is located adjacent a corner portion thereof.
26. The case of claim 13 wherein, when each said compartment is in
said closed position, each said compartment releasably engages a
retainer means.
27. The case of claim 13 wherein said means for suspending and
transporting said frame comprises a strap-like means which has
opposite end members each of which is fastenable to a different
upper outside corner of said frame.
28. The case of claim 13 wherein said connection means comprises a
hole extending vertically through the associated said compartment
and said pivot shaft means is receivable through said hole when
said case is assembled, whereby each said compartment means is
pivotable relative to said pivot shaft member.
29. The case of claim 13 wherein each said compartment is separated
from adjacent compartments by sleeve members associated with said
pivot shaft member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on a previously filed U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/672,830 filed Apr. 19, 2005,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a cosmetic case and, in
particular, to a portable cosmetic case having a plurality of
readily accessible storage compartments and a retractable
mirror.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Handbags of various shapes and sizes have been used for many
years. One disadvantage of many handbags is the inability to
organize the materials stored in the bag in a manner that renders
those materials readily accessible. Portable cases for cosmetics
have been developed with a number of vertically tiered compartments
which can be used to store various items for easy access. For
example, the case could store cosmetic materials, keys, and even
cell phones in an organized and readily accessible manner.
[0004] However, such cases do not contain a mirror which can be
stored when not in use and which can be retrieved for use in
applying cosmetics. There is a need for a portable case with a
plurality of vertically tiered compartments which incorporates such
a mirror.
[0005] The present invention provides not only such a
mirror-incorporating case but also other new features which greatly
enhance the utility of the case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a cosmetic case with a
plurality of independently openable compartments for the storage of
cosmetics and other materials which also incorporates a mirror
which is storable when not in use yet can be retrieved for purposes
of viewing as when cosmetics are being applied.
[0007] The case incorporates a frame in which the compartment
plurality is located. The frame includes a lower deck portion, an
upper deck portion, and an intervening back portion interconnected
therebetween. The upper deck portion and the lower deck portion are
preferably each generally flattened and extend in spaced, parallel
relationship relative to each other. The back portion preferably
extends vertically between the upper deck portion and the lower
deck portion and preferably has a perimeter that defines a
parallelogram whose upper and lower edge regions are in spaced,
parallel relationship relative to each other.
[0008] Preferably the upper deck and the lower deck each have a
similarly sized and configured perimeter. This perimeter defines a
forward region and a rear region, and the respective opposite ends
of each region meet at a location that defines an acute angle.
Preferably, the perimeter defines two acute angles, preferably the
rear region extends straight, and preferably the forward region
extends outwardly from the rear region. The perimeter thus
preferably defines a geometric shape which is preferably regular or
bilaterally symmetrical, such as a triangle, a trapezoid, a
hemicircle, or the like. Although a case can be formed to have
various shapes, it is preferred to have a case shape with
perpendicular sides and shape when viewed in perspective.
[0009] The compartments are similarly constituted with each having
a preferably flattened bottom panel and a continuously extending
raised or outstanding side edge about the perimeter, thereby
defining an upwardly opening compartment cavity, though the
compartments can, if desired, have various side edge heights and
cavity volumes. The compartment plurality is in a vertically tiered
arrangement, where each compartment is in a closed position, yet
each compartment can be independently opened in a lateral direction
in which each compartment pivots or rotates about a pivot shaft
member.
[0010] To provide compartment pivotability, a pivot shaft member
preferably extends between the upper deck portion and the lower
deck portion and adjacent to the back portion and to one acute
angle. Each compartment includes connection means for pivotably
associating it with an adjacent portion of the pivot shaft
member.
[0011] In a case, the mirror can be stored in either a portion of
the frame or in a portion of a compartment and can be viewed by
movement of either the mirror or an associated compartment, as
provided. In the frame stored location, the mirror, when drawn, can
be positioned vertically or angularly for viewing and supported by
the case. In the compartment stored location, the mirror can be
viewed by opening an uppermost compartment or, if provided
optionally, the lid of such compartment.
[0012] Each case preferably includes releasable means for retaining
each compartment in its closed position.
[0013] Also, each case preferably includes means for holding,
suspending and transporting the case.
[0014] Optionally a case may include a second pivot shaft member
that similarly extends relative to the first pivot shaft member but
is located adjacent to the second acute angle. This second pivot
shaft member, when duly associated with a compartment's connection
means, enables a desired one or more of the compartments to pivot
is a lateral direction that is opposite to that of compartments
associated through their respective connection means with the first
pivot shaft member. One feature and advantage of this arrangement
is that more than one compartment can be independently opened for
use without impeding use of another open compartment.
[0015] Optionally, an uppermost compartment, or a lid portion
thereof, can be associated with hinge means so that this
compartment or its lid can be opened independently of lower
compartments.
[0016] Other objects, aims, purposes, features, benefits,
advantages, embodiments and the like will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the accompanying disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings which comprise a portion of this
disclosure:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective front view of a first
embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention wherein
the case is supported and suspended by a chain or strap;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view similar to FIG. 1 but
showing dashed lines for portions of certain components and showing
a compartment of the cosmetic case in an opened position and the
mirror in an extended position;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the cosmetic case of
FIG. 1 showing dashed lines for portions of certain components and
showing the mirror in a retracted, stored position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1
showing dashed lines for portions of certain components FIG. 5 is a
front elevational view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 4 but showing a
compartment in an open position with dashed lines showing position
of certain components when the compartment is closed;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the cosmetic case of
FIG. 1 showing dashed lines for portions of certain components;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken
radially and perpendicularly through the back wall and adjacent
lateral portions of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the mirror in
the extended position shown in FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of an alternative
embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention showing an
alternative construction for storing the mirror in a retracted,
stored position and showing dashed lines for portions of certain
components;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken
radially and perpendicularly along the line 11-11 through the back
wall and adjacent lateral portions of the embodiment of FIG.
10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the upper
portion of an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the
present invention wherein the uppermost compartment is hingably
connected to an adjacent upper portion of the base frame and
showing dashed and phantom lines for portions of certain
components;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the upper
portion of the embodiment of FIG. 12 showing the hinged uppermost
compartment in a closed position and showing dashed lines for
portions of certain components;
[0030] FIG. 14 a fragmentary front perspective view of the upper
portion of another alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of
the present invention wherein a pair of adjacent compartments open
in opposed directions relative to each other;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 showing
dashed lines for portions of one component; and
[0032] FIG. 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken below the top
wall of the embodiment of FIG. 14 showing the pair of adjacent
compartments in their respective closed positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] FIGS. 1-9 shows an embodiment 10 of a cosmetic case of the
present invention. The cosmetic case 10 comprises a base frame 12
that includes a lower portion 14, an upper portion 16, and a mid-
(or medial or back) portion 18. The back portion 18 extends between
the respective opposed rear edges 20 and 22 of the lower portion 14
and the upper portion 16. The lower portion 14 and the upper
portion 16 each preferably flat and preferably have similar
perimeters. Preferably they extend in vertically spaced, parallel
relationship relative to each other although diagonal but parallel
arrangements can be used if desired. The back portion 18 is
preferably flat and preferably extends perpendicularly between the
lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16 although the back portion
can extend diagonally between the portions 14 and 16 of desired.
Preferably the back portion 18 has a perimeter that defines a
parallelogram with upper and lower edge portions that are in
spaced, parallel relationship relative to each other. More
preferably, the parallelogram is rectangular.
[0034] Preferably a case of the invention has a right angle
relationship between the components, but, as those skilled in the
art will appreciate, such a relationship is not required. Other
configurations can be employed as when a particular artistic effect
or appearance is desired, or when a case is to conform to a
particular location, or the like. A back portion 18 may have a
perimeter that is configured, for example, as a trapezoid, and the
upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 may be laterally offset
one relative to the other, etc. Similarly, and correspondingly, the
plurality of compartments 26, as described and explained below,
that is situated in the frame 12, may, if desired, have a
configuration that conforms to the general geometric configuration
of the frame 12, or otherwise if desired.
[0035] As is characteristic of the frame 12 of all embodiments of
this invention, the frame 12 and its portions 14, 16 and 18 can be
variously fabricated of, for example, molded plastic (presently
preferred), molded filled plastic, compositions of resin and molded
wood or paper waste, covered cardboard or masonite, painted or
padded sheet metal, and the like. Individually fabricated
components of subassemblies may if necessary or desirable be
fastened together with conventional fastening means (including
suitable adhesives, weldments, joining screws, rivets, nut and bold
assemblies, etc.). Fabrication materials of relatively high
structural integrity and light weight are preferred.
[0036] The upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 preferably
have similar sizes and configurations and generally matching
respective perimeters. This perimeter can be considered to define a
forward region and a rear region. The respective opposite ends of
each such region meet whereby an opposite end of the rear region
meets an opposite end of the forward region and an acute angle is
defined therebetween. Thus, the perimeter defines two opposed acute
angles preferably located on respective opposing sides thereof, and
preferably these acute angles are about equal in size. Preferably,
regarding the perimeter, the rear region extends straight and the
forward region extends outwardly relative to the rear region to
define a desired geometric configuration. For example, the
perimeter of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 can
define a triangle, a parallelogram, a hemi-circle (presently
preferred) wherein the diameter corresponds to the rear region, or
otherwise as desired.
[0037] The case 10 incorporates a pivot shaft member 24 that
extends preferably perpendicularly between the lower portion 14 and
the upper portion 16 adjacent to the back portion 18 and also
adjacent to one of the acute angles. Thus, the pivot shaft member
24 can extend so as to be adjacent one of the two acute angles
located at each rear corner 27 of each compartment 26. The pivot
shaft member 24 can be comprised of heavy steel wire, extruded
plastic or the like.
[0038] The case 10 includes a plurality (preferably in the range
from about 4 to 8) of independent compartments 26 for storing and
transporting cosmetic and like materials. An inner surface of a
compartment can include a magnetic portion or a clip (not shown)
for holding a cosmetic brush or the like. Each compartment 26 has a
perimeter that is preferably similar to that of the upper portion
16 and the lower portion 14 so that all such perimeters are similar
and preferably about the same. The compartment 26 plurality is
preferably arranged in a vertically layered and aligned sequence
and the plurality is preferably positioned (located) between the
lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16 and also adjacent to the
back portion 18.
[0039] Each compartment 26 comprises preferably flat bottom panel
28 that preferably has the indicated perimeter that is common in
size and configuration to the lower portion 14 and the upper
portion 16. A continuously extending, raised side edge 30 that
preferably is vertically upstanding (when viewed externally) is
provided about the perimeter of the bottom panel 28. In each
compartment 26, the height of the raised side edge 30 can be the
same as in other compartments 26, or the edge 30 can vary in height
from one compartment 26 to the next. An upwardly opening cavity 31
is thus defined by the panel 28 and the side edge 30 in each
compartment 26. Compartments 26 of the same compartment plurality
can have same or differing volumes can be provided as may be
desired. In accord with the perimeter contour of the upper portion
16 and the lower portion 14, with which the perimeter of panel 28
of each compartment 26 is preferably similar, the spaced, opposed
rear corner portions 27 of each compartment 26 each define an acute
angle. Thus, a compartment 26 has two such acute angles which are
preferably similar in size and configuration.
[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a compartment
plurality is preferably configured to fit into a frame 12, as
indicated. However, if desired, the individual compartments 26,
though vertically tiered and adjacent to one another, may be
inclined relative to a (hypothetical) vertical, and the side edges
30 may, if desired, be similarly inclined. Each compartment 26 can
be formed of a material such as above indicated for the frame 12.
In addition, the exterior surface of each compartment and the frame
12 can be decorated, for example, with crystals, sequins, faux fur
and the like.
[0041] Each compartment 26 adjacent a corner portion 27 thereof is
adapted to accommodate a laterally adjacent portion of the pivot
shaft means 24 when the compartment 26 plurality is associated with
the base 12 and is in its vertically layered and aligned tiered
sequence with each compartment 26 cavity being upwardly oriented.
Each compartment 26 has connection means for pivotably
independently associating each compartment 26 with an adjacent
portion of the pivot shaft means 24. Various connection means such
as are known to art can be employed, as those skilled in the art
will appreciate.
[0042] For simplicity, a present preference for the connection
means is to define a hole or opening 32 in the bottom panel 28 in
the area of a corner portion 27 thereof which opening 32 is
adjacent to, or situated to accommodate therethrough the pivot
shaft means 24. The opening 32 preferably can extend also through a
preferably locally thickened area in raised side edge 30 which can
provide an elongated opening 32 that is desirable for purposes of
stabilizing the pivot movement of a compartment 26 relative to a
pivot shaft means 24. Each of the openings 32 in the compartments
26 is such that. When the pivot shaft means 24 is extended
therethrough, each compartment 26 is pivotable relative to the
pivot shaft means 24. During assembly of the case 10, the pivot
shaft means 24 can be, if desired, conveniently slidably extended
progressively through the openings 32 defined in each of the
members 26 of the compartment plurality. In the assembly,
respective opposite ends of the pivot shaft means 24 are each
conveniently engaged terminally with the upper portion 16 and the
lower portion 14 by conventional means, including, for example,
blind rivets, adhesively bonded clamps, self-threading nuts, or the
like. Thus, each compartment 26 can swing independently laterally
outwardly to one side away from the mid-portion 18 and the closed
plurality of compartments 26 to an open position for access to a
compartment 26. If desired, washers or spacer sleeves, not
detailed, can be positioned on the pivot shaft means between
adjacent compartments 26.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each compartment 26 is seen to
include on a side edge 30 an exteriorly located extension (or knob
or fingerhold) 24 to facilitate opening and moving of each
compartment 26. To hold or retain the plurality of compartments 26
each in a closed position for purposes of movement or transport of
the case 10 various retainer means can be employed. For one
preferred example applicable to the compartment plurality, a strap
36 or the like can be employed, if desired. For instance, the strap
36 can be secured at its upper end to the upper portion 16 by a
rivet, screw or the like, and can have a snap buckle 38 or the like
secured at its lower end that is adapted to engage a
correspondingly mateable tab 40 that is itself located along the
lower portion 14, thereby to maintain the compartment 26 plurality
in a closed configuration.
[0044] The compartments 26 of the compartment plurality when
pivoted to their respective closed positions can also be
individually disassociatively associated in their respective closed
positions with the frame 12. For example, a snap-fit or
friction-fit engagement can be provided between adjacent
compartments or preferably between each compartment 26 and an
adjacent portion of the frame 12. A conventional spring biased
detent button and its housing can be mounted in or on the back
portion 18 conveniently at or near a rear corner 27 of each
compartment 26 and a mating receiving socket can be located on a
side edge 30 or panel 28 each compartment 26 in a position where
the socket reversably engages the detent button when the associated
compartment 26 is adjacent the detent button in a compartment 26
closed configuration.
[0045] To facilitate movement, carrying or transport of case 10, a
handle, chain, or the like can be associated therewith. For
example, each of the opposite ends of a chain or strap 42 can be
secured to a different opposed upper side of the mid-portion 18 or
of the upper portion 16. The chain or strap 42 can either be
permanently or releasably secured to the case 10, as may be
desired. Preferably, as shown in the embodiments illustrated, the
extensions 34 are preferably offset relative to the strap 36 to
avoid interference.
[0046] A case 10 is preferably provided with an internally storable
mirror that can remain in storage in the case until use thereof is
desired. Various arrangements can be employed. For example, and as
shown in FIGS. 1-4, the back 18 can define on a rear face thereof a
recessed receiving slot 44 for receiving a mirror 46 from a slot
end or side. The mirror 46 can be slidably positioned within the
slot 44 so as to achieve a first or storage position for mirror 46.
The mirror 46 can be slidably extended from the slot 44 to a second
or viewable (or use) position, which can be vertical or angled. The
slot 44 is preferably configured so that the mirror 46 can be
slidably extended upwardly from storage position to the use
position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9. Alternatively, the
mirror and the a lot 44 can be arranged to that the mirror can be
moved slidably laterally outwardly to either side of the back
portion 18 (not shown) before entering a use position. The slot 44
can include guide members or flanges 48 for retaining the mirror 46
as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 7, if desired.
[0047] Alternatively, the slot 44 can be enclosed within the back
portion 18 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. In either
case, the mirror 46 can include an extension (or fingerhold) 34 to
facilitate grasping the mirror 46. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the
mirror 46, extended from the slot 44, 46 can be angled back and
received into a channel 50 defined in the back-portion 18 (see FIG.
9) for ease in viewing. Thus, the case 10 can hold the mirror 46 in
a vertical slot (not shown) defined in the back portion 18. As a
result, the case 10 has a second position defining a mirror holding
position defined by an auxiliary, preferably angularly extending
second slot defined in said frame adjacent to said first slot, this
second slot being adapted for receiving a lower portion of the
mirror 46 when mirror 45 is removed from a first or storage
position, whereby said mirror is supported at an inclined angle for
viewing.
[0048] FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the
inventive case in which a rearward portion of an uppermost
compartment 52 that preferably is similar to a compartment 26 of
the compartment plurality is pivotably connected above and over a
rearward portion of the upper portion 16 by means of a horizontally
oriented hinge 54, such as a hinge of the so-called piano type.
Alternatively, the rearward portion of the compartment 52 can be
hinged to an upper end region of the back portion 18. The outside
surface of the bottom panel 28 can be provided with a mirror 56
which when the compartment 52 is inclined can be viewed. The panel
28 can be provided with a flat arm which can be temporarily erected
so that th lower end thereof abuts against the upper portion 16
when the compartment 52 is inclined to prop the compartment 52 in
an open position.
[0049] In a further alternative, the compartment 52 can be provided
with a lid member having a rear edge portion that is pivotably
connected to a rearward portion of the compartment 52 by means of a
horizontally oriented hinge 54. The inside surface of the lid
member can be associated with a mirror 56, as shown in FIG. 12.
When the lid member is pivotably elevated, the mirror 56 is visible
and usable. The lid member can be provided with a flat arm which
can be temporarily erected so that the lower end thereof abuts
against the inside of the panel 28 when the lid member of
compartment 52 is inclined thereby to prop the lid member up in an
open position.
[0050] When the mirror 56 is associated with the compartment 52 or
the lid thereof, the compartments 26 of the underlying or lower
compartment plurality can be maintained in their respective closed
configurations, if desired, by a retaining means, such as the strap
36 and the snap buckle 38/tab 40 assembly as shown in FIGS. 1-9, or
otherwise as desired.
[0051] FIGS. 14-16 show an additional embodiment 10' of a case 10'
of the invention. Components similar to case 10 are similarly
numbered but with the addition of prime marks for identification
purposes. The case 10' includes a frame 12' having a lower portion
14', an upper portion 16' and a back portion 18' extending
therebetween. In a preferred embodiment 10', the back-portion 18'
extends between opposed rear edges 20' and 22' of the lower portion
14' and the upper portion 16', respectively, similarly to
embodiment 10. In embodiment 10', a pair of pivot shaft members 24a
and 24b are provided that extend in parallel, opposed relationship
relative to the back portion 18' and adjacent to each rear corner
21 of each compartment 26'. A plurality of tiered compartments 26'
for storing cosmetic and like materials is provided and positioned
in a stacked relationship between the lower portion 14' and the
upper portion 16'. The compartments 26' are constructed
conveniently and preferably similarly to the compartments 26 of
FIGS. 1-9 and include a bottom panel 28' defining a compartment
perimeter and a continuously extending raised edge 30' about the
perimeter.
[0052] As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the height of the raised
edge 30' can be the same for each compartment 26' or can vary from
one compartment 26' to another. For example, the height of the
raised edge 30' and thus the depth and volume of the cavity in a
compartment 26' can be increased, if desired, to accommodate a cell
phone or similar item. In this example, fewer compartments could be
used or the back portion 18' could be lengthened, if desired.
[0053] Each bottom panel 28' of a compartment 26' defines an
opening 32' preferably in one side of the rear portion thereof for
receiving either pivot shaft member 24a or 24b. In a preferred
embodiment, compartments 26' each include openings 32' in opposed
sides of their respective bottom panels 28' relative to the
location of the opening 32' in an adjacent compartment 26'. In
place of an opening 32', a compartment 26' can be provided with a
notch like indentation which permits a selected compartment 26' to
by-pass a particular pivot shaft member 24a or 24b. The
compartments 26' can be assembled with respective ones of either
shaft member 24a or 24b. As a result, compartments 26' of the
compartment plurality can be arranged so that each pivotably swings
about one of the respective pivot members 24a and 24b with selected
ones of each compartment 26' pivoting in one lateral direction and
others of the compartments pivoting in the opposed lateral
direction as illustrated for example in FIGS. 14 and 15. Thus, this
arrangement provides for convenient access to two or more adjacent
compartments 26' at the same time without one compartment blocking
access to another compartment.
[0054] As indicated, each compartment 26' preferably includes (in
the end opposed to the end having the opening 32') a cutaway
segment 58 which allows a compartment 26' to be closed without
engaging the opposite pivot member 24a or 24b, as the case may be
(see, for example, FIGS. 14 and 15).
[0055] A handle, strap 36' or the like can be provided. For
example, strap 36' can be in association with a snap buckle 38'/tab
40' assembly, as described above, or otherwise as may be desired,
to maintain the compartments 26' each in a closed position. As an
alternative, a friction-fit engagement can be provided to secure
the compartments 26' each in a closed position whereby the height
of the raised side edge 30' in the area of the cutaway segment 58
of each compartment 26' is slightly increased so that the edges of
the cutaway segment 58 of one compartment 26' press against the
bottom panel 28' or raised edge 30' of an adjacent compartment.
[0056] The embodiment of FIGS. 14-16 can include any of the mirror
constructions shown in FIGS. 1-13 as described above.
[0057] It will be readily apparent from the foregoing description
and the accompanying drawings that various modifications can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts of this invention.
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