U.S. patent application number 11/738498 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for cosmetic case.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zen Design Solutions Limited. Invention is credited to Roger Hwang, Koushik Kohli, Santosh Kumar Mohapatra, Leo Clifford Pires, Neelima Prasad.
Application Number | 20080257376 11/738498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39871022 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080257376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pires; Leo Clifford ; et
al. |
October 23, 2008 |
Cosmetic Case
Abstract
A cosmetic case is provided. The cosmetic case contains multiple
compartments. A base for holding cosmetic product containers forms
the lower compartment. A movable tray positioned above the
containers forms the upper compartment. The tray slides backward
along with the opening of a lid of the cosmetic case. In addition,
the tray slides forward upon closing of the lid. Bottom side of the
tray has protruding formations that match the shapes of the
containers. The protrusions substantially plug the containers upon
closing the cosmetic case.
Inventors: |
Pires; Leo Clifford;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Hwang; Roger; (Maple,
CA) ; Prasad; Neelima; (Dehradun, IN) ; Kohli;
Koushik; (Ghaziabad, IN) ; Mohapatra; Santosh
Kumar; (Cuttack, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN L.L.P. NJ Office
595 SHREWSBURY AVE, STE 100, FIRST FLOOR
SHREWSBURY
NJ
07702
US
|
Assignee: |
Zen Design Solutions
Limited
|
Family ID: |
39871022 |
Appl. No.: |
11/738498 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/287 ;
132/294 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20130101;
A45D 33/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/287 ;
132/294 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/20 20060101
A45D033/20; A45D 33/26 20060101 A45D033/26 |
Claims
1. A case, comprising: a lid for opening the case and closing the
case; and a tray attached to the lid, wherein the tray slides when
the lid is opened or closed.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the tray slides backward when the
case is opened.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the tray slides forward when the
case is closed.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises: a pair of arms
attached to opposing sides of the tray, the pair of arms supporting
the tray when the lid is operated; and a pair of tracks
corresponding to the pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms slide
in the corresponding track.
5. A case for storing powder, comprising: at least one container to
hold the powder; a lid to cover the at least one container, wherein
lifting the lid exposes the powder in the at least one container;
and a tray attached to the lid, wherein the tray slides when the
lid is operated by performing at least one of opening and
closing.
6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray slides and moves backward
when the lid is opened.
7. The tray of claim 6, wherein the tray moves upward when the lid
is opened.
8. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray slides and moves forward
when the lid is closed.
9. The tray of claim 8, wherein the tray slides and moves downward
when the lid is closed.
10. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray is positioned inside the
case.
11. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray substantially seals the
at least one container.
12. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray includes a horizontal
plate.
13. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray comprises at least one
protrusion corresponding to the shape of the at least one
container.
14. The tray of claim 5, wherein the tray is at least one of
transparent or translucent.
15. The case of claim 5, wherein the case comprises: a pair of arms
attached to opposing sides of the tray, the pair of arms supporting
the tray when the lid is opened or closed; and a pair of tracks
corresponding to the pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms slide
in the corresponding track.
16. A case for storing powder, comprising: at least one container
to hold the powder; a lid to cover the at least one container,
wherein lifting the lid exposes the powder in the at least one
container; a tray attached to the lid, wherein the tray slides when
the lid is operated by performing at least one of lifting or
lowering; a pair of arms attached to opposing sides of the tray,
the pair of arms supporting the tray when the lid is operated; and
a pair of tracks corresponding to the pair of arms, wherein the
pair of hands slide in the corresponding track.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a case for
holding products in powder-like state. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a case for storing and dispensing
color cosmetic powder.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cosmetic powder is available in several colors in addition
to the various shades of foundation powder. The foundation powder
is used to create a base for applying skin cosmetics. On the other
hand, color powder is used to provide a color-effect on the skin.
Color powders are applied on the face or used as eye-shadow to
beautify the eyes.
[0003] Users of cosmetic powder prefer to carry their foundation
powder and/or color powder with them while they travel. For this
reason, various cosmetic powder cases are available in the market.
The cases of cosmetic powders should be light in weight, slim and
compact so that they can be easily fit and carried inside handbags
and purses.
[0004] Conventional cosmetic cases include a box with a container
to store the powder. The powder can be loose powder or in the
solid-cake form. Some cases comprise multiple containers for
storing powders of different color. The box also includes an
applicator. Also, the box is covered with a lid to avoid any
spilling of powder. Some cosmetic cases are provided with a mirror
on the inside of the lid. The mirror aids the user in applying the
cosmetic contents of the box.
[0005] However, the mirror tends to be covered by the powder when
the lid is closed. This is because, when closed, the lid is in
proximity with the powder. The loose powder on the surface of the
powder cakes, rubs off and settles on the inside of the lid. Over
time, the visibility in the mirror decreases. The decreased
visibility of the mirror makes the application of the cosmetic
powder difficult and sometimes forces the users to dispose of the
cosmetic case and purchase a new one. Thus, the cosmetic cases are
rendered useless and prove to be costly when a new cosmetic case is
purchased. In addition, any remaining powder in the case is
wasted.
[0006] A cosmetic case design marketed under the name `Linear
Shadow Compact Quad` by Bare Escentuals tries to overcome some of
the above limitations. Their product includes a cover in the inside
of the lid. Each cover is designed to cover the powder containers
inside the case. Thus, in the closed state, the cover attached to
the lid keeps the powder contents of the case contained in their
position. This prevents loose powder from spreading inside the case
when the case is closed. However, the powder that settles on to the
cover can spread out to other area of the lid. In case, the
remaining portion of the lid, which is not occupied by the cover,
is fitted with a mirror, the mirror can be covered with powder, and
thus spoilt. In addition, the space in which the mirror can be
fitted is limited. This is because portion of the lid is already
occupied by the cover. These factors add to the reduced visibility
in the mirror.
[0007] It is apparent from the above discussion that there is a
need for a cosmetic case that can overcome the above
limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The shortcomings set forth above are addressed by the
present invention which is a cosmetic case for storing cosmetic
products, such as powder.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
cosmetic case including a movable tray that covers cosmetic powder
in the case.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a loose powder
container which incorporates an apparatus to prevent the spilling
of the loose powder during handling of the container.
[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a cosmetic case with a large mirror that improves the ease of
application of the cosmetic.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
cosmetic case with a clean mirror even after repeated use.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
compact cosmetic case for the neat storage and dispensing of
powder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The various features and advantages of the present invention
will be appreciated, as they become better understood by reference
to the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case in the
closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the case in the
opened state in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side of a tray in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the case in the opened
state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a case in the
opened state in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention provides a case for storing one or
more types of powder. The case is compact and covered by a lid.
Removable and refillable containers inside the case store the
powder. Each container is covered by corresponding protrusions at
the bottom portion of a tray. Shapes of the protrusions at the
bottom of the tray match the shapes of the containers that hold the
powder. Therefore, the protrusions plug the containers holding the
powder when the case is closed. The tray is connected to the bottom
of the lid. Therefore, as the lid is lifted to open the case, the
tray also lifts and slides over a pair of rails at the sides of the
case to unplug the containers and expose the powder.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case in the
closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Case 100 includes a base 102. Base 102 provides a lower
compartment and holds the containers for storing the powder. Base
102 is covered by a lid 104. Lid 104 is pivotally attached to base
102 with a hinge mechanism located on one side of case 100. In
other embodiments, lid 104 can be attached to base 102 with any
other commonly known attachment mechanism.
[0022] Lid 104 rotates around a hinge 402 (shown in FIG. 4) to open
and close case 100. A push button 106 can be used to release lid
104 and operate the closing and opening of case 100. In other
embodiments, any known open and close mechanism can be used to
operate case 100. Button 106 is located at the side opposite to the
side with hinge 402. While in the closed state, button 106 can be
pushed to open the case. Once open, lid 104 is rotated and lifted
to reveal the contents of case 100.
[0023] Although the embodiment illustrated is in a substantially
rectangular shape, the shape of cosmetic case can differ for the
various embodiments of the present invention. For instance, the
shape of case 100 can be circular, square, oval, etc.
[0024] Furthermore, various embodiments of case 100, base 102 and
button 106 can be made of material such as Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS) and/or PCTA (Copolyester of CHDM and PTA). However,
the present invention can be manufactured using any other material
suitable for the purpose of containing powder.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the case in the
opened state in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. In the figure, a container 202 is placed inside base
102. Container 202 is designed specifically for a brush applicator
to dip in without damaging its bristles. In various embodiments of
the invention, there can be one or more containers 202. The figure
illustrates four such containers. In an alternate embodiment, there
can be two containers. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of case 100
with two containers.
[0026] Each container 202 provides space for storing a powder. The
different containers can store powders of different color. For
example, case 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 can hold up to four
different shades of eye-shadow, since there are four containers
202. Depending on usage, case 100 can accommodate one or more type
of product. This could either include different colors of powder or
two different kinds of products. In an embodiment, container 202 is
substantially cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment,
container 202 can be conical or any other shape known in the
art.
[0027] In an embodiment, containers 202 are removable from base
102. In another embodiment, container 202 can be refilled with
cosmetic powder of previous color or a different color.
[0028] Container 202 is covered inside case 100 by a tray 204. Tray
204 is a substantially horizontally positioned plate that provides
an upper compartment inside case 100. Tray 204 is moveably fixed to
lid 104. Therefore, as lid 104 is lifted, tray 206 automatically
slides backwards with the opening of lid 104 to uncover container
202. In an embodiment, tray 204 also raises slightly while it
slides backwards. In an embodiment, tray 204 is made of
polypropylene (PP), however any other material suitable for
manufacturing tray 204 can be also used.
[0029] As shown in the figure, in the opened state, tray 204 is
shifted backwards to expose the contents of container 202 for
application by the user.
[0030] In an embodiment, tray 204 is made from a transparent
material, such as transparent plastic. This allows the contents of
containers 202 to be visible through tray 204. In the closed state,
tray 204 slides forward to the original position to cover
containers 202. In an embodiment, in case tray 204 is lifted
upwards by a certain distance upon sliding backward, it moves
downward by the same distance while moving forward. In addition,
the bottom side of tray 204 is formed with protrusions that extend
downwards such that the outer surface of the periphery of the
protrusions cooperate with the inner surface of containers 202 to
seal containers 202. Thus, the protrusions plug the containers in
the closed state so that no product can escape when case 100 is
closed. This is subsequently illustrated in conjunction with FIG.
3.
[0031] Tray 204 slides with the aid of rails 206. Rails 206 are
elongated arms on each side of tray 204 that support tray 204. The
support provided by rails 206 enables tray 204 to position itself
horizontally, as shown. In addition, tray 204 is able to slide on
rails 206. Each of rails 206 end in corresponding tracks 208.
Tracks 208 provide a smooth interface for sliding movement of rails
206.
[0032] In an embodiment, a commonly known lock mechanism can be
placed inside tracks 208 to engage rails 206 in the open state. An
example is the dimple-pimple lock interface. Due to the lock, rails
206 hold the tray in the backward position, and do not slide
forward. Moreover, while tray 206 is in the backward position, lid
104 also remains in the standing position, so that case 100 remains
open. A mirror 214 is affixed inside lid 104. The mirror is visible
as soon as case 100 is opened and lid 104 is lifted.
[0033] As soon as lid 104 is brought down to close case 100, the
lock mechanism may disengage rails 206. As the rails are
disengaged, rails 206 slide forward, bringing with them tray 206
upon containers 202. In this state, the protrusions at the bottom
of tray 206 seal containers 202.
[0034] In various embodiments of the present invention, base 102
can also include space for keeping applicators and other
accessories that may be needed with cosmetic powder. Holders or
depressions 210 and 212 in base 102 illustrate such additional
spaces. In an embodiment, holders 210 are used as mixing wells to
mix the cosmetic color contents of containers 202. Also, holder 212
is used to place an applicator brush for applying the contents of
containers 202.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side of tray 206 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Protrusions 302 at the
bottom side of tray 206 cooperate with containers 202 in base 102.
Each protrusion 302 matches the shape of its corresponding
container 202. Therefore, when tray 206 slides forward upon closure
of case 100, protrusions 302 move forwards and downwards to
substantially seal containers 202. Protrusions 302 plug containers
202 to provide the effect of a seal. Upon plugging, contents of
containers 202 are kept from spreading out into other areas of base
102 and lid 104. Thus, tray 206 ensures that interiors of case 100
are substantially and continually maintained clean without being
contaminated by the contents of containers 202.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of case 100 in the open
state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Hinge 402 enables rotation of lid 104 upon opening and closing of
the case. In addition, the side view clearly shows an embodiment of
protrusion 302 at the bottom of tray 206. In case the shape of
container 202 is spherical, protrusion 302 is also spherical.
Moreover, since container 202 is convex-shaped, protrusion 302 is
concave shaped.
[0037] The present invention provides various embodiments of a
cosmetic case. The cosmetic case is compact and light in weight,
making it easy to store and carry. Moreover, the case comprises
multiple compartments in the form of a base and a tray. The bottom
of tray plugs the cosmetic contents stored in containers in the
base when the cosmetic case is closed. As the cosmetic case is
opened, the tray starts moving while unplugging the cosmetic
contents. Thus, the tray slides automatically while lifting the lid
of the cosmetic case. Since the tray remains horizontally
positioned throughout the mechanism, a user does not see the
plugging and unplugging of the individual containers of cosmetic
colors. Moreover, since the plugs are concealed at the bottom of
the tray, the interiors of the cosmetic case look clean and
finished to the user. The tray remains horizontally positioned even
when the cosmetic case is open, thus allowing the complete area
inside the lid to be used as a large mirror. Furthermore, the plugs
at the bottom of the tray keep the cosmetic colors from spreading
out on the mirror since the colors never come in contact with the
mirror.
[0038] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present
invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents
will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the
claims.
* * * * *