U.S. patent application number 12/062116 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for interactive compacts and cosmetic cases and uses thereof.
Invention is credited to Jill Tomandl.
Application Number | 20080245383 12/062116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39590412 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080245383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tomandl; Jill |
October 9, 2008 |
INTERACTIVE COMPACTS AND COSMETIC CASES AND USES THEREOF
Abstract
Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets include: a) a case
component comprising at least two independent sections, b) a
plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled
with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled
with the case component, and d) an audio, video or audio/video
combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case
component. Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that
include providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the
interactive cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod
of the cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by
the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the
cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the
instructions.
Inventors: |
Tomandl; Jill; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHALTER NEMER
18400 VON KARMAN AVE., SUITE 800
IRVINE
CA
92612
US
|
Family ID: |
39590412 |
Appl. No.: |
12/062116 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60921790 |
Apr 3, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
132/294; 132/296; 132/297; 132/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/18 20130101;
A45D 44/005 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101; A45D 33/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
132/296; 132/297; 132/301; 132/294 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00; A45D 33/22 20060101 A45D033/22; A45D 33/28 20060101
A45D033/28; A45D 42/02 20060101 A45D042/02; A45D 33/26 20060101
A45D033/26 |
Claims
1. An interactive cosmetic case set, comprising: a case component
comprising at least two independent sections, a plurality of
cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled with the case
component, a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled with the case
component, and an audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod,
wherein the pod is coupled with the case component.
2. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the at
least two independent sections of the case component are coupled
via a hinge or other rotatably coupling device.
3. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the at
least two independent sections of the case component are slideably
coupled.
4. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the at least two independent sections comprises a base
section.
5. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 4, wherein the base
section comprises an inside portion and an outer portion.
6. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 5, wherein the
plurality of cosmetic pods are coupled with the inside portion of
the base section of the case component.
7. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the at least two independent sections comprises a lid
section.
8. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 7, wherein the lid
section comprises an inside segment and an outer segment.
9. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 8, wherein the mirror
is coupled to the inside segment of the lid section.
10. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 4, wherein the
audio, video or audio/video combination pod is coupled at least in
part with the base section.
11. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 7, wherein the
audio, video or audio/video combination pod is coupled at least in
part with the lid section.
12. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the
audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod is removable.
13. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the
audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod is rewritable.
14. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, further
comprising a display device.
15. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 14, wherein the
display device comprises a liquid crystal display or a digital
video display.
16. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the
cosmetic set further comprises at least one additional item that is
coupled to the case component.
17. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 16, wherein the at
least one additional item includes brushes, applicators, lipsticks
or glosses, mascara or eyeliner, containers of loose powder,
instruments, adhesives or combinations thereof.
18. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of cosmetic pods comprises eye shadow powder, foundation
powder, blusher powder or a combination thereof.
19. A method of applying cosmetics, comprising: providing the
interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, opening the interactive
cosmetic case set of claim 1, engaging the audio, video or AV pod
of the cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by
the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the
cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the
instructions.
Description
FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0001] The field of the subject matter is interactive cosmetic
cases and uses thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The cosmetics industry continues to push the envelope by
developing new "looks" with respect to the application of makeup,
including eyeshadow, eyeliners, mascara, false eyelashes, brow
coloring and liner, lipsticks and glosses, blushes and bronzers and
other cosmetics and applications. These particular looks are
popular, but women are often left on their own to figure out how to
achieve that look with a particular group of cosmetics.
[0003] There are brochures, digital video discs (DVDs), websites
and inserts that come either separate or that accompany cosmetic
sets that outline and describe how to apply different cosmetics in
such a way as to achieve particular and trendy looks. In these
instances, it may be that the brochures and websites do not provide
any guidance as to the colors to select or brands that are
compatible with one another. If brochures and inserts accompany
cosmetic sets, it does give one a set of matched cosmetics, but the
brochure or insert may not be instructive or may get lost once the
cosmetic set is opened. One does not want to carry around a
brochure in her purse with the cosmetic set, in order to remember
how to apply or touch up a particular look.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an interactive cosmetic set
designed to accomplish a particular look or to be applied to a
particular skin tone where the components are provided to produce
the look and there are instructions included with the cosmetic set,
such that those instructions are not separate from the cosmetic set
and are specifically directed to applying and/or touching up a
certain look. These ideal cosmetic sets would be convenient for the
user, along with the potential benefits of being refillable,
interchangeable and updateable via downloads as new colors and
products are introduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a basic compact 100 with color cosmetics
inserts 110, which are inserted into a base 150. The top 120 of the
compact 100 contains a mirror 140 and a button or touch pad 130.
When the user depresses or touches the button or touch pad 130, an
audio file or tape (not shown) is triggered and a voice begins to
give instructions about how these particular colors are applied to
the face.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows the same compact 200, but with the button or
touch pad 230 in the middle of the base 250 and between the color
cosmetics 210, thus leaving the top 240 and mirror 220 fully
intact.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows another shape compact 300 with two color
cosmetic inserts 310. Button or touch pad 330 is in the middle of
the cosmetic inserts 310 on the base 350, thus leaving the top 340
and the mirror 320 fully intact.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a unique product where two or more audio files
or tapes (not shown) wherein the compact 400 comprises two or more
color palettes 410 and 415 and two or more buttons or touch pads
430 and 435, in this case. The top 440 and the mirror 420 are fully
intact.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a similar compact 500, which contains at least
two color palettes 510 and 515, along with at least two buttons or
touch pads 530 and 535. This particular compact also contains some
or all of the brushes 518 the user will need to achieve the look,
along with mascara, eyeliner and/or lipstick or lip gloss 519.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows the back 650 of a contemplated compact 600
comprising an audio cartridge 670 which is locked or snapped into
place by at least two holders 675. The back 650 of the compact 600
may also contain a bar code 660 and/or a list of ingredients or
other information (not shown).
[0011] FIG. 7 shows another contemplated compact where at least two
audio cartridges 770 are snapped into place in the back 750 of the
compact 700.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows a top (A) and a side/cross-section (B) view of
a compact 800 showing where the color inserts 810, button or touch
pad 830 and audio/video cassette 870 may sit in relation to one
another.
SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0013] Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets include: a) a
case component comprising at least two independent sections, b) a
plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled
with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled
with the case component, and d) an audio, video or audio/video
combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case
component.
[0014] Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that include
providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the interactive
cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the
cosmetic set, reviewing: a set of instructions provided by the
audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics
in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the
instructions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Surprisingly, an interactive cosmetic case set designed to
accomplish a particular look, a particular makeup trend or to be
applied to a particular skin tone has been developed where the
components are provided to produce the look and there are
instructions included with the cosmetic set, such that those
instructions are not separate from the cosmetic set and are
specifically directed to applying and/or touching up a certain
look. Contemplated cosmetic sets are convenient for the user, along
with optionally being refillable, interchangeable and updateable
via downloads as new colors and products are introduced.
Instructions may be provided be either a permanent or temporary
video insert and/or audio insert into the compact or cosmetics
container.
[0016] Specifically, contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets
include: a) a case component comprising at least two independent
sections, b) a plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic
pods are coupled with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the
mirror is coupled with the case component, and d) an audio, video
or audio/video combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled
with the case component. In some embodiments, a contemplated
interactive cosmetic case set may include other items that are
inserted into or stored in the base or lid sections of the case
component, including brushes, applicators, lipsticks or glosses,
false eyelashes, instruments, such as tweezers, adhesives and
glues, mascara or eyeliner, containers of loose powder or
combinations thereof.
[0017] For example, a contemplated cosmetic case has been produced
that is directed at providing a user with the components needed to
produce a "smoky eye" or an eyeshadow look that is trendy where the
colors transition from dark to light with smoky contours. Although
this look is popular in magazines and on models, it can be
difficult to achieve by a typical consumer. Therefore, the compact
may provide not only the components to produce the smoky eye look,
but also audio and/or video instructions to achieve this particular
look.
[0018] Another contemplated interactive cosmetic case may comprise
informational materials and cosmetic pods directed to achieving a
"day look" and then a "night look" using the same cosmetics and
additional products. In yet another contemplated interactive
cosmetic case, the product may comprise cosmetic pods that comprise
false eyelashes, along with additional components designed to apply
those eyelashes, while audio and/or video informational materials
walks the consumer through the application and/or maintenance
process.
[0019] Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets comprise a case
component, wherein the case component comprises at least two
independent sections. The at least two independent sections may
comprise a base section and a lid section, or may be a tri-fold
component, where there are a plurality of sections. In one
embodiment, the base section and the lid section are coupled via a
hinge or other rotatably coupling device, similar to conventional
compacts. In another embodiment, the base section and the lid
section are slideably coupled, such that one section slides against
the other section to expose the inside of the case component.
[0020] As used herein, the term "coupled" means that at least two
components, pods or other materials are a) joined together a
suitable way, such as by inserting one component into a slot,
depression or hole of another component, b) attached by a rotatably
coupling device, such as a hinge, slidably coupling at least two
components, c) joined by utilizing adhesive, magnets or another
interface material or force, and d) joined by utilizing a third
component, such as a cord, another component, a wire, other another
suitable device or component.
[0021] Contemplated base sections comprise an inside portion and an
outer portion. The inside portion is that part of the base section
that forms at least part of the inside of the case component. The
outer portion of the base section is that part of the base section
that is at least partly outside of the case component, such as the
back of a compact. Contemplated lid sections comprise an inside
segment and an outer segment. The inside segment of the lid section
is that part of the lid section that is at least partly inside of
the case component, such as where a mirror might be stored or
placed. The outer segment of the lid section is that part of the
lid section that is at least partly outside of the case component,
such as the top of a compact where a logo or design would be
placed.
[0022] As mentioned, audio and/or video instructions or information
may be included in the cosmetic case with the cosmetics components
or pods to instruct the user how to achieve a particular look or
apply a particular product (such as false eyelashes, which are
notoriously difficult to apply for the general consumer). In the
case of audio instructions or information, they can be provided on,
recorded on or downloaded to a medium, such as a chip, MP3 or MP4
player, digital device or tape and permanently loaded into part of
the compact or cosmetics case set. In other embodiments, the medium
that makes up the audio, video or combination pod is rewritable
and/or removable. The user can listen to these instructions or
information by engaging a triggering device, such as a button,
keypad, touchpad or lock on some part of the compact. The audio
pod, video pod or combination there may be coupled at least in part
with one or more of the independent sections, such as the base
section or the lid section.
[0023] FIG. 1, which will be described in greater detail herein,
shows a contemplated interactive cosmetics case where the plurality
of cosmetic pods are coupled to the base section of the case
component and the audio instructions are located in a audio pod in
the inside segment of the lid section of the case component,
wherein the instructions are activated when a user presses a button
inside the case component. Audio instructions may also be activated
when a user touches part of the inside or side of the compact.
Instructions and/or demos may also be provided by a video device
located inside or outside of the compact. These instructions and/or
demos can be shown on small LCD devices or other digital video
devices, especially given the fact that these devices are getting
less costly.
[0024] Instructions and/or demos may also be provided by a video
device located inside or outside of the cosmetic case component
These instructions and/or demos can be shown on small LCD devices
or other digital video devices, especially given the fact that
these devices are getting smaller, thinner and less costly. So, in
one contemplated example, the user pushes a button or activates a
touch pad on the base of the compact, and the mirror becomes the
display device showing a video on how to apply the cosmetics. This
mirror or compact display area may be a liquid crystal or another
suitable material that would allow it to be opaque and reflective
for viewing one's face and transparent for viewing a video. This
transformation can take place by altering the orientation of
crystals or constituents in the display panel.
[0025] The audio and/or video instructions may also come included
in small inserts that are designed to be inserted and then later
removed from basic compacts or cosmetics cases. So, if trends and
looks change, a user can buy one compact and then buy removable
sets of cosmetics and video/audio instructions, insert each into
the compact and get started on a new look.
[0026] Another feature of contemplated embodiments is that the
audio and/or video instructions may come in different languages.
This feature of the instructions is an improvement over printed
instructions in that booklets of instructions containing different
languages do not need to be produced and included, but instead,
each audio or video instruction cartridge can be labeled as
including one language and the user can pick the audio or video
insert or pod that includes the necessary language. Audio and/or
video pods may come in a combination of languages, so that a pod
may provide instructions in English, French and Greek without
having to exchange out pods.
[0027] Another feature of contemplated embodiments is that audio
and/or video components, audio pods, video pods, and/or audio/video
(AV) pods may be included with the informational component, such
that a particular tune, song or jingle is played as part of the
recording. A recorded message may also be included from the
consumer. For example, if a daughter wanted to purchase one of the
interactive cosmetic case sets designed to instruct someone on how
to produce "pouty lips" and give it to her mother--she could record
a brief introductory message before the instructions on the
application of the product begins. When her mother activates the
audio and/or video pod, the first voice she hears is from her
daughter--making the gift more personal.
[0028] FIGS. 1-8 show several contemplated embodiments of
interactive cosmetic case sets and compacts and cases that contain
audio and/or video inserts/pods, along with specific cosmetics sets
and colors. These compacts and cosmetics cases can be designed with
any number of suitable designs, suitable cosmetics and suitable
materials.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a basic compact or case component 100 with
color cosmetics inserts or cosmetic pods 110, which are coupled
with or into a base section 150. The top or lid section 120 of the
case component 100 contains a mirror 140 and a button or touch pad
130. When the user depresses or touches the button or touch pad
130, an audio file or tape (not shown) is triggered and a voice
begins to give instructions about how these particular colors are
applied to the face. FIG. 2 shows the same compact 200, but with
the button or touch pad 230 in the middle of the base section 250
and between the cosmetic pods 210, thus leaving the lid section 240
and mirror 220 fully intact.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows another shape case component 300 with two color
cosmetic inserts or pods 310. Button or touch pad 330 is in the
middle of the cosmetic inserts 310 on the base 350, thus leaving
the lid section 340 and the mirror 320 fully intact.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a unique product with two or more audio pods
(not shown) wherein the case component 400 comprises two or more
color palettes 410 and 415 and two or more buttons or touch pads
430 and 435, in this case. The lid section 440 and the mirror 420
are fully intact. FIG. 5 shows a similar case component 500, which
contains at least two color palettes 510 and 515, along with at
least two buttons or touch pads 530 and 535. This particular
cosmetic case set also contains some or all of the brushes 518 the
user will need to achieve the look, along with mascara, eyeliner
and/or lipstick or lip gloss 519.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the back 650 of a contemplated case component
600 comprising an audio pod 670 which is locked or snapped into
place by at least two holders 675. The outer portion of the base
section 650 of the case component 600 may also contain a bar code
660 and/or a list of ingredients or other information (not shown).
FIG. 7 shows another contemplated case component where at least two
audio pods 770 are snapped into place in the outer portion of the
base section 750 of the case component 700. FIG. 8 shows a top (A)
and a side/cross-section (B) view of a case component 800 showing
where the color inserts 810, button or touch pad 830 and
audio/video pod 870 may sit in relation to one another.
[0033] The cosmetics compacts and/or cases may first be made out of
any suitable material, fabric or combination thereof. Contemplated
materials include plastic, metal, cardboard, natural fibers or
materials, or combinations thereof. Contemplated fabric choices may
include natural or synthetic fabric, including denim, silk, cotton,
polyester, rayon, linen, velvet, leather, suede or any combination
thereof.
[0034] The cosmetics compacts and/or cases may also comprise any
suitable design. These designs may comprise nonsensical or random
designs, may comprise logos, trademarks or expressions, or a
combination thereof. For example, a company may produce jeans and
then produce a line of cosmetics compacts and/or cases, some of
which contain the logo of the company, some of which contain a
random design and some of which contain a tag line with a random
design. It should be clear that the designs and combinations of
these designs are only limited by the creativity of the designer or
company producing the cosmetics compacts and/or cases.
[0035] Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that include
providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the interactive
cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the
cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by the
audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics
in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the
instructions.
[0036] One contemplated feature of the interactive cosmetics case
sets disclosed herein is that they are reusable depending on the
needs of the consumer. This "green" functionality is important when
considering that consumers do not want to throw away cosmetic cases
or compacts when the original cosmetic pods are gone. Consumers
want to replace those pods with similar product, or more realistic,
replace those cosmetic and audio/video pods with new and trendy
colors and looks. The "plug and play" aspect of these contemplated
products is also very attractive to the producer of the
product--who can feel free to design case components targeted at
different markets, such as tweens, teens, professional women, older
women, etc. The case can be a higher end product for the consumer,
while at the same time reducing waste.
[0037] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of interactive
cosmetics compacts and/or cases and uses thereof have been
disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the
art that many more modifications besides those already described
are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.
Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the
context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising"
should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or
steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced
elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or
combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not
expressly referenced.
* * * * *