U.S. patent application number 12/189027 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for cosmetics container system.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOUER COSMETICS, LLC. Invention is credited to Sean Brosmith, Christina Zilber.
Application Number | 20090044827 12/189027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40351097 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zilber; Christina ; et
al. |
February 19, 2009 |
COSMETICS CONTAINER SYSTEM
Abstract
A cosmetics container system includes a first compact that
comprises means for releasably attaching the first compact to a
side or a bottom of another first compact or to a compact of a
smaller size.
Inventors: |
Zilber; Christina; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Brosmith; Sean; (Beverly Hills,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
5670 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2100
LOS ANGELES
CA
90036-5679
US
|
Assignee: |
JOUER COSMETICS, LLC
Beverly Hills
CA
|
Family ID: |
40351097 |
Appl. No.: |
12/189027 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60955337 |
Aug 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/297 ;
132/294; 132/315; 132/318 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/00 20130101;
A45D 40/265 20130101; A45D 2200/25 20130101; A45D 40/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/297 ;
132/315; 132/318; 132/294 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/28 20060101
A45D033/28; B65D 43/00 20060101 B65D043/00; A45D 40/24 20060101
A45D040/24; A45D 33/00 20060101 A45D033/00 |
Claims
1. A cosmetics container system comprising a first compact, wherein
the first compact comprises means for releasably attaching the
first compact to a side or a bottom of another first compact or to
a compact of a smaller size.
2. The cosmetics container system according to claim 1 further
comprising a second compact smaller than the first compact wherein
the second compact contains means for releasably attaching the
second compact to a side or a bottom of the first compact or to
another second compact.
3. The cosmetics container system according to claim 2 wherein the
second compact has a length about half the size of a corresponding
length of the first compact.
4. The cosmetics container system according to claim 3 wherein two
of the second compacts may be attached to a side of a first
compact.
5. The cosmetics container system according to claim 4 wherein the
two second compacts attached to the side of the first compact are
together as long as the first compact.
6. The cosmetics container system according to claim 3 wherein two
of the second compacts may be attached to a bottom of a first
compact.
7. The cosmetics container system according to claim 6 wherein the
two second compacts attached to the bottom of the first compact are
together as long as the first compact.
8. The cosmetics container system according to claim 1 wherein the
first compact comprises a base in which the bottom and the side are
formed and a cover attached to the base for movement between a
closed position in which cosmetics contained in the base are
substantially secured from the outside of the first compact and an
open position in which cosmetics contained in the base are
accessible from the outside of the first compact.
9. The cosmetics container system according to claim 2 wherein the
second compact comprises a base in which the bottom and the side
are formed and a cover attached to the base for movement between a
closed position in which cosmetics contained in the base are
substantially secured from the outside of the second compact and an
open position in which cosmetics contained in the base are
accessible from the outside of the second compact.
10. The cosmetics container system according to any of claim 2
further comprising a vial with a vial with means for releasably
attaching the vial to the first and to the second compact.
11. The cosmetics container system according to claim 10 wherein
the vial comprises a body defining a compartment for receiving
cosmetics and a cap removably attached to the body for sealing the
compartment.
12. A cosmetics container system comprising: a small compact; and a
large compact; wherein a side of the small compact has protrusions
or indentations for releasably attaching the small compact to
corresponding indentations and protrusions on a side of another
small compact or a large compact and a side of the large compact
has protrusions and indentations for releasably attaching the large
compact to a side of another large compact or a small compact.
13. The cosmetics container system according to claim 12 wherein a
bottom of the small compact has protrusions or indentations for
releasably attaching the small compact to corresponding
indentations and protrusions on a bottom of another small compact
or a large compact and a bottom of the large compact has
protrusions and indentations for releasably attaching the large
compact to a bottom of another large compact or a small
compact.
14. The cosmetics container system according to claim 12 wherein
the small compact comprises a base and a cover attached to the base
for movement between a closed position in which cosmetics contained
in the base are substantially secured from the outside of the small
compact and an open position in which cosmetics contained in the
base are accessible from the outside of the small compact.
15. The cosmetics container system according to claim 12 wherein
the large compact comprises a base and a cover attached to the base
for movement between a closed position in which cosmetics contained
in the base are substantially secured from the outside of the large
compact and an open position in which cosmetics contained in the
base are accessible from the outside of the large compact.
16. The cosmetics container system according to claim 12 wherein
the small compact is half the size of the large compact in at least
one dimension wherein two small compacts may be attached to a large
compact without overlap or underlap.
17. The cosmetics container system according to claim 12 further
comprising a vial, wherein the vial comprises indentations for
releasably attaching the vial to one of the protrusions of a small
compact or a large compact.
18. The cosmetics container system according to claim 17, wherein
the vial further comprises protrusions for releasably attaching the
vial to one of the indentations of a small compact, a large
compact, or another vial.
19. The cosmetics container system according to claim 17 wherein
the vial comprises a body defining a compartment for receiving
cosmetics and a cap removably attached to the body for sealing the
compartment.
20. The cosmetics container system according to claim 17 wherein
the vial is releasably attachable to a side of a small compact, a
large compact, or another vial.
21. A system of a plurality of cosmetic containers, comprising: a
rectangular compact comprising a base having a top, a bottom, two
opposed long sides, two opposed short sides, each long side
adjoining each of the two short sides at substantially a right
angle, the top defining a receptacle for receiving cosmetics; a
cover having a top, a bottom, two opposed long sides, two opposed
short sides, each long side adjoining each of the two short sides
at substantially a right angle, a hinge connecting the cover to the
base adjacent one of the long or short sides of the base, wherein
the cover encloses the receptacle in the base when the cover is in
a first position adjacent the base and exposes the receptacle when
the cover is in a second position rotated away from the base;
wherein at least one of the long sides of the base has formed
therein a tail and a socket, the tail and the socket being aligned
along a line substantially parallel to the one of the long side of
the base, the tail and socket being sized and shaped for slidable
mating attachment to the socket and tail of a long side of another
rectangular compact to join the rectangular compacts at their
respective long sides; and wherein pegs and pits are provided in
the bottom of the base for mating attachment to pits and pegs
formed in a bottom of another rectangular compact, whereby the
bottoms of the bases of the rectangular compacts may be releaseably
joined together.
22. The system of a plurality of cosmetic containers according to
claim 21, further comprising: a square compact comprising a base
having a top, a bottom, four sides of substantially the same
length, two opposed sides meeting two opposed sides at right
angles, the top defining a receptacle for receiving cosmetics; a
cover having a top, a bottom, four sides of substantially the same
length, two opposed sides meeting two opposed sides at right
angles, a hinge connecting the cover to the base adjacent one of
the sides of the base, wherein the cover encloses the receptacle in
the base when the cover is in a first position adjacent the base
and exposes the receptacle when the cover is in a second position
rotated away from the base; wherein at least one of the sides of
the base has formed therein a tail and the opposed side has a
socket, the tail and socket being sized and shaped for slidable
mating attachment to the socket and tail of a side of another
square compact or a rectangular compact to join the square or
rectangular compacts at their respective sides; and wherein pegs
and pits are provided in the bottom of the base for mating
attachment to pits and pegs formed in a bottom of another square or
a rectangular compact, whereby the bottoms of the bases of the
square and rectangular compacts may be releaseably joined
together.
23. The system of a plurality of cosmetic containers according to
claim 22, further comprising: a vial having a body defining a
compartment for receiving cosmetics and a cap releasably joined to
the body for securing the cosmetics in the compartment, the body
having a side in which is formed a socket for mating engagement
with a tail of a square or a rectangular compact.
24. The system of a plurality of cosmetics containers according to
claim 23, wherein the body of the vial has another side in which is
formed a tail for mating engagement with any one of i) a socket of
a square compact, ii) a socket of a rectangular compact, and iii) a
socket of another vial.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of the following co-pending United States provisional
patent application which is expressly incorporated herein in its
entirety: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/955,337, filed Aug.
10, 2007 and entitled "COSMETICS CONTAINER SYSTEM".
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to the act or process or
dressing or grooming a human being, and, more particularly, to kits
having plural cosmetic or applicator compartments or receivers.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Archeological research has shown that human beings have used
cosmetics as part of grooming since the time of the ancient
Egyptian kingdom. Cosmetics are now used worldwide. Cosmetics may
have the form of powders, pastes, liquids or solid materials and
may be said to be substances used to enhance or protect the
appearance or odor of the human body. Current-day cosmetics
designed to improve or enhance the appearance of the face include
lip glosses, lip enhancers, lip sticks, lip plumper, lip balms, lip
lusters, lip conditioners, lip boosters, rouge, eye shadows, eye
liners, mascaras, lash extenders, lash conditioners, eyebrow
grooming gels, eyebrow pencils, eyebrow creams, eyebrow waxes,
eyebrow gels, eyebrow powders, tints, perfecters, powder blushes,
foundations, bronzing powders and creams, and mattifiers. Other
cosmetics may be directed to the appearance of other parts of the
body, such as fingernail or toenail polish. In addition, grooming
may include perfumes and scents as olfactory cosmetics.
[0006] Cosmetics generally require containers. Containers have been
devised to hold cosmetics since the days of ancient Egypt.
[0007] A person who uses cosmetics generally will use several
cosmetics. This will require several containers if each cosmetic
has its own container. The user of cosmetics will often depend on
the user's mood, the occasion, the weather, and the like. The user
will choose the cosmetics for an occasion and carry them with
her.
[0008] The person using the cosmetics therefore will have to store
and carry a number of cosmetics containers. Storage is not as much
a problem as is carrying a number of containers, such as in a
handbag or other carrying device. A number of separate containers
may become intermixed with other articles and therefore be
difficult to find. Containers have been provided that hold two or
more cosmetics in separate compartments, trays or bins. The use of
containers of this sort reduces the number of containers but is
limiting because it restricts the choice of the cosmetics if only a
few containers is to be carried.
[0009] Jouer Cosmetics, the assignee of the present application,
currently sells a cosmetics compact that has a tail formed on one
edge and a complementary socket formed in the opposed edge, so that
two such cosmetics compacts may be joined side by side. In
addition, the bottom side of the cosmetics compact has four
side-by-side mating peg and pit combinations whereby that two such
cosmetics compacts may be joined bottom to bottom. The cosmetics
compact may hold any of a number of kinds of cosmetics, such as
mascaras, in any of a number of colors or hues. United States
design patent D535,789 to Claude Peter Meyers shows the appearance
of one of these compacts.
[0010] The features of the Jouer Cosmetics compact mentioned above
permit any number of compacts to be joined together side by side
and bottom to bottom, resulting in a linear array of cosmetics
compacts that may be two deep. The cosmetics compacts each contain
a hinged lid as their top surface. The hinged lid will be exposed
even when the compact is joined to other compacts, so that the
cosmetics contained in the compact will be available to the user.
The lid is provided with a mirror in the inside surface of the lid
so that the user can see herself while applying the cosmetic.
[0011] The user selects the Jouer cosmetics compacts containing the
cosmetics she believes that she will need for an occasion or trip
and joins them together as described to produce a single composite
unit that can easily be carried. The cosmetics selected by the user
will be together when needed. Individual cosmetics compacts are
less likely to be lost or misplaced.
[0012] The user can easily add or subtract cosmetics compacts from
the composite unit in order to modify the selection of cosmetics
she carries. She can also break the composite unit down into its
constituent compacts for separate storage when the composite unit
is no longer needed.
[0013] The Jouer cosmetics compacts, however, have only the one
size and shape. Different cosmetics may need different containers.
For example, liquids such as mascara need a container that will
prevent leaks and an applicator.
[0014] Furthermore, the user may use a larger amount of one
cosmetic than another. She will need to carry a larger amount of
one cosmetic compared to the other. With only one size of compact,
the user must double or triple the number of compacts containing
that cosmetic or face the risk of not having enough of the
cosmetic.
SUMMARY
[0015] A cosmetics container system is disclosed herein that
provides detachably interlocking containers of different sizes and
shapes, each container containing at least one cosmetic or cosmetic
accessory. The user may join each container to one or more of the
other containers in order to build a composite cosmetics container
having the user's selection of cosmetics. The system provides means
for joining the containers in any of many arrangements to be
selected by the user, despite the difficulty presented by the
containers having different sizes and shapes, so that a composite
unit of such containers may be formed. The composite unit is
readily carried in a handbag or other device or stored in a glove
compartment or other storage place.
[0016] In a preferred aspect of the cosmetics container system
disclosed herein, the detachably interlocking containers include
first and second compacts, wherein the first or large compact is
larger than the second or small compact, and a vial. The first and
second compacts may be joined to each other side-to-side or
bottom-to-bottom. The vial may be joined to a first compact or to
one or two of the second compacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present disclosure will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings. The drawings are described
below.
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
two small compacts of a currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a vertical combination of
two small compacts of a currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
two large compacts of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a vertical combination of
two small compacts of a currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a combination of a large
and a small compact of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a combination of a large
and two small compacts of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combination of two large
and two small compacts of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
four small compacts of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a vertical and horizontal
combination of four small compacts of the currently preferred
embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to the
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
four large compacts of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a vertical and horizontal
combination of four large compacts of the currently preferred
embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a vial with a small compact of the currently preferred embodiment
of the cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a vial with a large compact of the currently preferred embodiment
of the cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
two large compacts and a vial of the currently preferred embodiment
of the cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a large compact and two vials of the currently preferred embodiment
of the cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a combination of a large
compact with a vial and a small compact of the currently preferred
embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to the
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a large compact with a vial and two small compacts of the currently
preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to
the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a vial with two vertically joined small compacts of the currently
preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to
the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a vial with two horizontally joined small compacts vertically mated
to one large compact of the currently preferred embodiment of the
cosmetics container system according to the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a horizontal combination of
a vial with a large compact and two small compacts in vertical
combination with a horizontal combination of two large compacts of
the currently preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container
system according to the disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a small compact of the
currently preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container system
according to the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view of the small compact
of FIG. 11.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a front side elevation view of the small compact
of FIG. 11.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of the small compact
of FIG. 11.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the small compact of FIG. 11.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a section view of the small compact of FIG. 11
taken on the plane 16-16 in FIG. 15.
[0044] FIG. 17 is bottom side elevation view of the small compact
of FIG. 11.
[0045] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the small compact of FIG.
11.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a large compact of the
currently preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container system
according to the disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the large compact of FIG. 19.
[0048] FIG. 21 is an bottom side elevation view of the large
compact of FIG. 19.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a front side elevation view of the large compact
of FIG. 19.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a section view of the large compact of FIG. 19
taken on the plane 23-23 in FIG. 22.
[0051] FIG. 24 is a right side elevation view of the large compact
of FIG. 19.
[0052] FIG. 25 is a an exploded view of the large compact of FIG.
19.
[0053] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a vial of the currently
preferred embodiment of the cosmetics container system according to
the disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 27 is side elevation view of the vial of FIG. 26.
[0055] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the vial of FIG. 26.
[0056] FIG. 29 is a section view of the vial of FIG. 26 taken on
the plane 29-29 in FIG. 28.
[0057] FIG. 30 is an end elevation view of the vial of FIG. 26.
[0058] FIG. 31 is a section view of the vial of FIG. 26 taken on
the plane 31-31 in FIG. 30.
[0059] FIG. 32 is exploded view of the vial of FIG. 26.
[0060] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a brow brush assembly for
use in the vial of FIG. 26.
[0061] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the brow brush
assembly of FIG. 33.
[0062] FIG. 35 is a section view of the brow brush assembly of FIG.
33 taken on the plane 35-35 in FIG. 34.
[0063] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a lip brush assembly for
use in the vial of FIG. 26.
[0064] FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of the lip brush assembly
of FIG. 36.
[0065] FIG. 38 is a section view of the lip brush assembly of FIG.
36 taken on the plane 38-38 in FIG. 37.
[0066] FIG. 39A is a perspective view of another vial embodiment in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 39B is a top view of the vial of FIG. 39A.
[0068] FIG. 39C is a top view of the vial of FIG. 39A assembled
together with another vial and a compact in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 39D is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 39C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] As used herein, a compact of the cosmetics container system
disclosed herein can be, but is not limited to, a compact case of
any size or shape, a cosmetics accessory such as a pencil
sharpener, eyelash curler, or tweezers, an attachable makeup
applicator/tool such as a brush, a cotton swab, or sponge, a false
eyelash kit, a manicure kit, face tissue, cleansing wipes, or an
attachable empty canister to hold separately packaged cosmetic
products.
[0071] Also as used herein, a vial of the cosmetics container
system disclosed herein can be, but is not limited to, a filled
cosmetics tube (such as for liquid foundation, primer, or
toothpaste), a liquid cosmetic holder with an applicator (such as
for lip gloss, mascara, brow gel, stains, liquid eyeliner, or nail
polish), an spray atomizer pump (such as for perfume, hair spray,
brush cleaner, or toner), a pump (such as for lotions, serums,
foundation makeup, or cleanser), an aerosol sprayer (such as for
perfume, toners, hair spray, or mouse), a bottle (such as for
cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, or brush cleaner),
or a cosmetic pencil (such as lip liner or eye liner).
[0072] Examples of various combinations of a second or small
compact 100, a first or large compact 200, and a vial 300 of one
currently preferred embodiment of a cosmetics container system
according to the disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1A to 10 in the
drawings. The small compact 100, the large compact 200, and the
vial 300 are provided with means permitting these components of the
cosmetics container system to be joined at will in any of many
configurations to accommodate the user's need for any particular
combination of cosmetics. The means for joining the components of
the cosmetics container system comprise protrusions and/or
indentations formed on a component that mate with complementary
indentations and/or protrusions on other components.
[0073] The small compacts 100 have a square shape when seen from
above or below. They may be joined to each other horizontally,
side-by-side, as in FIG. 1A, or vertically, bottom-to-bottom, as in
FIG. 1B. The structure of the small compact 100 is shown in detail
in FIGS. 11-18.
[0074] The large compacts 200 have a rectangular shape when seen
from above or below. They may be joined to each other horizontally,
side-by-side, as in FIG. 2A, or vertically, bottom-to-bottom, as in
FIG. 2B. The structure of the large compact 200 is shown in detail
in FIGS. 19-25.
[0075] The large compacts 200 may be joined in one of two possible
vertical orientations. When two large compacts 200 according to a
preferred embodiment are joined vertically, they may be oriented so
that their lids rotate toward each other when opened (the axes of
the hinges of the lids being vertically aligned) as in the
configuration shown in FIG. 2B or away from each other (the axes of
the hinges of the lids being spaced from each other horizontally)
as in the configuration of vertical joined compacts shown in FIG.
10. The small compacts 100 according to this one preferred
embodiment have only one possible orientation when joined
vertically. The lids of two vertically joined small compacts will
rotate toward each other when opened (the axes of the hinges of the
lids being vertically aligned), as in the configuration shown in
FIG. 1B.
[0076] The large compact 200 may be joined horizontally to a small
compact 100, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4. Two small compacts 100
may be joined to a large compact 200, as shown in FIG. 3B. The
large compact 200 is twice as long as a small compact 100 so that
two small compacts 100 may be joined horizontally to a large
compact 200 without overlap or extension, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0077] FIG. 5A shows how four small compacts 100 may be joined
together horizontally in a linear formation. It will be understood
that any number of the small compacts 100 may be so joined, by
adding additional small compacts 100 to one end or the other of the
line of small compacts 100.
[0078] FIG. 5B shows how four small compacts 100 may be joined
together horizontally as well as vertically, so that two
bottom-to-bottom lines of the small compacts 100 are formed. It
will be understood that any number of the small compacts 100 may be
so joined, by adding additional small compacts 100 to one end or
the other of the two lines of small compacts 100
[0079] FIG. 5C shows how four large compacts 200 may be joined
together horizontally in a linear formation. It will be understood
that any number of the large compacts 200 may be so joined, by
adding additional large compacts 200 to one end or the other of the
line of large compacts 200.
[0080] FIG. 5D shows how four large compacts 200 may be joined
together horizontally as well as vertically, so that two
bottom-to-bottom lines of the large compacts 200 are formed. It
will be understood that any number of the large compacts 200 may be
so joined, by adding additional large compacts 200 to one end or
the other of the two lines of large compacts 200. As noted above,
when two large compacts 200 are joined vertically, they may be
oriented so that their lids rotate toward each other when opened
(the axes of the hinges of the lids being vertically aligned) or
away from each other (the axes of the hinges the lids being spaced
from each other horizontally).
[0081] The vial 300 may be joined horizontally to a small compact
100 as shown in FIG. 6A. The structure of the small compact 100 is
shown in detail in FIGS. 26-38.
[0082] The vial 300 may be joined horizontally to a large compact
200, as shown in FIG. 6B, or to two large compacts 200, as shown in
FIG. 7A. Two vials 300 may be horizontally joined to one large
compact 200, as shown in FIG. 7B. FIGS. 8A and 8B show horizontal
combinations of a vial 300 with a large compact 200 and one or two
small compacts 100. FIG. 9A shows how a vial 300 can be joined to a
vertical combination of the small compacts 100. FIG. 9B shows how a
vial 300 can be joined to a vertical combination of small compacts
100 and a large compact 200. FIG. 10 shows a vertical combination
of two layers of small compacts 100 and large compacts 200 joined
to a vial 300.
[0083] Generally, any combinations of the small compact 100, the
large compact 200, and the vial 300 of this one preferred
embodiment of the system may be put together. Only two layers of
the small compact 100 and the large compact 200 may be joined
vertically but horizontal combinations of the small compact 100 and
the large compact 200 may be extended without limit other than
practical considerations such as whether the combination will fit
into a handbag. The vial 300 in this one preferred embodiment may
attach only to one side of the small compacts 100 or the large
compacts 200, as shown in FIGS. 8A-10. It will be understood that
this is only a design preference and that the vial could be
designed to attach instead to a bottom of one of the small compacts
100 or the large compacts 200 by providing appropriate attachment
means on one side of the vial 300, such as peg-and-pit
combinations. As will be discussed further below, a vial may also
have means to connect to multiple components of the cosmetics
container system disclosed herein.
[0084] FIGS. 11-18 show the structure of the small compact 100, the
components of which are preferably molded of one or more
thermoplastic or polymer materials such as (but not limited to)
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), aolymethyl methacrylate
(PMMA), co-polymerized polyethylene terephthalate (PETG),
polycarbonate (PC), or polypropylene (PP).
[0085] The small compact 100, as may be best seen in FIGS. 16 and
18, has a base 110, preferably molded from ABS, which has a hollow
into which fits a pan 120, preferably also molded of ABS. The pan
120 holds cosmetics. An inner lid 130, preferably molded of ABS, is
attached by a metal hinge pin 140 to a flange 111 projecting from
the base 110. A mirror (not shown) may be pressed or otherwise
attached to the underside of the inner lid 130. A top cover 150 is
adhered or press-fitted to the inner lid 130. The inner lid 130
(and the attached top cover 150) can therefore rotate about the
hinge pin 140 to and away from the base 110 and its enclosed pan
120 so that the user can shut or open the small compact 100 as
needed. The inner lid 130 and the attached top cover 150 together
act as a cover for the cosmetics in the pan when the cover is shut
against the base 110. A detent in the inner lid 130 (not shown)
engages with a ridge 112 molded into the front side of the base 110
in order to maintain the inner lid 130 in a closed configuration
against the base 110.
[0086] The right side of the base 110 has a socket 113 molded
therein. The left side of the base 110 has a tail 114 molded
therein. The left side of the base 110 has a protrusion in the form
of a tail 114 molded therein. The socket 113 and the tail 114 are
shaped and sized to slidingly engage the tail 114 and socket 113,
respectively, of other small compacts 100, in a sliding dovetail
joint. The center of the tail 114 contains a rounded projection 115
having a vertically arranged slot 115A molded therein for receiving
a detent 116 molded in the center of the bottom of the socket 113,
to hold two of the small compacts 100 in alignment when joined
horizontally, as shown in FIG. 5A.
[0087] The bottom side of the base 110 has four spaced peg and pin
engagement units 117, each composed of an indentation in the form
of a pit 118 adjoining a protrusion in the form of a peg 119. The
peg 119 is shaped and sized to detachably fit into the pit 118 of
another and vertically adjacent small compact 100 while the peg 119
of that other small compact 100 fits into the pit 118 of the first
small compact 100. The peg 119 also is shaped and sized to
detachably fit into the pit 218 of a vertically adjacent large
compact 200 while the peg 219 of that large compact 200 fits into
the pit 118 of the small compact 100.
[0088] The bottom edges of the pegs 119 are preferably softened,
not sharp, in order to permit easier engagement with the pit 118 of
another small compact 100. The peg and pit engagement units 117
therefore permit two small compacts 100 to be detachably connected
bottom-to-bottom, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 5B, and for a small
compact 100 to be detachably connected bottom-to-bottom to a large
compact 200, as in FIG. 10.
[0089] FIGS. 19-25 show the structure of the large compact 200, the
components of which are preferably molded of one or more
thermoplastic materials such as ABS, PMMA, PETG, PC, or PP.
[0090] The large compact 100, as may be best seen in FIGS. 23 and
25, has a base 210, preferably molded from ABS, which has a hollow
into which fits a pan 220, preferably also molded of ABS. The pan
220 holds cosmetics. An inner lid 230, preferably molded of ABS, is
attached by a metal hinge pin 240 to a flange 211 projecting from
the base 210. A mirror (not shown) may be pressed or otherwise
attached to the underside of the inner lid 230. A top cover 250 is
adhered or press-fitted to the inner lid 230. The inner lid 230
(and the attached top cover 250) can therefore rotate about the
hinge pin 240 to and away from the base 210 and its enclosed pan
220 so that the user can shut or open the small compact 200 as
needed. The inner lid 230 and the attached top cover 250 together
act as a cover for the cosmetics in the pan when the cover is shut
against the base 210. A detent in the inner lid 230 (not shown)
engages with a ridge 212 molded into the front side of the base 210
in order to maintain the inner lid 230 in a closed configuration
against the base 210.
[0091] The right side of the base 210 has a protrusion in the form
of a socket 213A molded on the right side thereof. The right side
of the base 210 also has a protrusion in the form of a tail 214A
molded on the left side thereof. The left side of the base 210 has
an indentation in the form of a socket 213B molded on the right
side thereof. The right side of the base 210 also has a protrusion
in the form of a tail 214B molded on the left side thereof. The
socket 213A and the tail 214A are shaped and sized to slidingly
engage either the tail 214A and socket 213A or the tail 214B and
the socket 213B, respectively, of other large compacts 200, as well
as the tail 114 and socket 113 of a small compact 100. The socket
213B and the tail 214B are shaped and sized to slidingly engage
either the tail 214A and socket 213A or the tail 214B and the
socket 213B, respectively, of other large compacts 200, as well as
the tail 114 and socket 113 of a small compact 100.
[0092] It will be noted that that the small compact 100 will be
horizontally mated to a large compact 200 in such a configuration
that the hinge pin 140 of the small compact 100 is located adjacent
the center of the large compact 200. The small compact 100 will
have its front side adjacent one end of the large compact 200
rather than its middle so that the inner lid 130 and top cover 150
will rotate toward the middle of the large compact 200. The socket
113 and tail 114 of the small compact 100 are located on its left
and right side, respectively, in order to require this
configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 15) in one preferred embodiment of
the system. This configuration is preferred because the small
compact 100 will be easier to open when horizontally mated to the
large compact 200, and especially when two small compacts are
horizontally mated to the same large compact 200, as in FIG.
3B.
[0093] The centers of the tails 214A and 214B contain a rounded
projection 215 having a vertically arranged slot 215A molded
therein for receiving a detent 216 molded in the center of the
bottom of the sockets 213A and 213B, to hold two of the small
compacts 100 in alignment when joined horizontally, as shown in
FIG. 10, or to hold one large compact 200 in alignment when joined
horizontally, as shown in FIGS. 5D and 7A.
[0094] The bottom side of the base 210 has first and second sets
260 and 270, respectively, of four spaced peg and pit engagement
units 217, each peg and pit engagement units 217 being composed of
an indentation in the form of a pit 218 adjoining a protrusion in
the form of a peg 219. The peg 219 is shaped and sized to
detachably fit into the pit 118 of a vertically adjacent small
compact 100 while the peg 119 of that small compact 100 fits into
the pit 218 of the large compact 200. The peg 219 also is shaped
and sized to detachably fit into the pit 218 of a vertically
adjacent large compact 200 while the peg 219 of that large compact
200 fits into the pit 218 of the first large compact 200.
[0095] It will be observed in the bottom side view of FIG. 21 that
the first set 260 of four spaced peg and pit engagement units 217
is oriented in one direction (each peg 219 is left of its adjacent
pit 218 as shown in FIG. 21) and the second set 270 of four spaced
peg and pit engagement units 217 is oriented in the opposite
direction (each peg 219 is right of its adjacent pit 218 as shown
in FIG. 21). As a result, each large compact 200 can mate
vertically to another large compact 200 in one of two
configurations, as noted above (hinges either vertically aligned or
spaced horizontally). In other words, the user can separate the
vertically mated large compacts 200, rotate one large compact 180
degrees about its vertical axis, and re-mate it to the other large
compact 200.
[0096] It will also be observed that the small compact 100 will be
vertically mated to a large compact 200 in such a configuration
that the hinge pin 140 of the small compact 100 is located adjacent
the center of the large compact 200. As noted above, the small
compact 100 will have its front side above one end of the large
compact 200 rather than above its middle so that the inner lid 130
and top cover 150 will rotate toward the middle of the large
compact 200. The peg and pit engagement units 117 of the small
compact 100 have an orientation that requires this configuration
(see FIG. 17). This configuration is preferred because the small
compact 100 will be easier to open when vertically mated to the
large compact 200, and especially when two small compacts are
vertically mated to the same large compact 200, as in FIG. 9B.
[0097] The bottom edges of the pegs 219 are preferably softened,
not sharp, in order to permit easier engagement with the pit 118 of
another small compact 100. The peg and pit engagement units 117
therefore permit two large compacts 200 to be detachably connected
bottom-to-bottom, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 5D, and for a small
compact 100 to be detachably connected bottom-to-bottom to a large
compact 200, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0098] FIGS. 26-33 show the structure of the vial 300 according to
one embodiment, the components of which are preferably molded of
one or more thermoplastic materials such as ABS, PMMA, PETG, PC, or
PP. The vial 300 essentially has a body defining a compartment for
receiving cosmetics and a cap for securing the compartment. An
applicator or brush assembly will usually be included with the vial
300 so that the contents of the vial 300 may be applied by the
user. Examples of two brush assemblies are shown in FIGS.
33-38.
[0099] As is best seen in FIG. 32 the vial 300 has an outer shell
310 that preferably is injection molded from PC. The outer shell
310 has a socket 312 formed in one outer side. The socket 312 is
shaped and sized to accommodate the tail 114 of a small compact 100
and one of the tails 214A and 214B of a large compact 200 in a
sliding dove-tail joint, in order to permit the vial 300 to be
connected to either a small compact 100 or a large compact 200.
[0100] The outer shell 310 is hollow with an opening at one end for
receiving an inner vial 320 that preferably is blow molded in PETG.
The inner vial 320 has a threaded neck 322 with an opening therein
leading to a compartment for receiving cosmetics such as mascara,
as is best seen in FIGS. 29 and 31. The inner vial 320 is held in
the outer shell 310 by a collar 330 that is preferably injection
molded of PP material and welded to the outer shell 310. The collar
330 has an opening 332 through which the neck 322 projects. The
outer shell 310, the inner vial 320, and the collar 330 form the
body of the vial 300.
[0101] The outer shell 310 has one wall 311 that is thickened to
project outwardly. A socket 313 is formed in the wall 311. The
socket 313 is shaped and sized to accommodate the tail 114 of a
small compact 100 and the tails 214A and 214B of the large compact
200. Accordingly, the vial 300 can be horizontally mated to either
a small compact 100, as in FIG. 9A, or a large compact 200, as in
FIG. 9B.
[0102] The vial 300 has an outer cap 340, preferably molded of ABS,
into which an inner cap 350 is press-fitted, welded or adhered. The
inner cap 350, preferably made of an injection molded PP material,
has molded therein a threaded opening for receiving the neck 322 of
the inner vial 320. The opening in the inner cap 350 contains a
wiper 360, preferably injected molded in PP material. The wiper 360
is intended to fit into the neck 322 of the inner vial 320. The
wiper 360 also holds the brush assemblies shown in FIGS. 33-38. The
outer cap 340, the inner cap 350, and the wiper 360 comprise the
cap that seals the body of the vial 300.
[0103] The wall 311 is thickened not only to accommodate the socket
313 but also to space the outer cap 340 away from that wall, as
shown in FIG. 31, so that the outer cap 340 will not interfere with
a tail 114 of a small compact 100 or a tail 214A or 214B of a large
compact 200 when horizontally mated to them.
[0104] In a further embodiment in accordance with the present
disclosure, and with reference to FIGS. 39A-B, a vial 400 may be
formed with a socket 413 in one wall 411 sized to accommodate the
tail 114 of a small compact 100 and the tails 214A and 214B of a
large compact 200, and is further formed with a tail 414 projecting
from the wall 412 opposite wall 411 and sized to be accommodated
into the socket 113 of a small compact 100 and the sockets 213A and
213B of a large compact 200. This embodiment of a vial 400 can thus
be utilized together with a vial 300 and a compact 200 in the
manner illustrated in FIGS. 39C-D to form an assembly that presents
a smooth, continuous outer surface on one side that has no exposed
tails or sockets or, if desired, two such vials 400 can be used in
an assembly that present no exposed tails or sockets
whatsoever.
[0105] FIGS. 33-35 show a brow brush assembly 370. The brow brush
assembly 370 has a wand 372, preferably made of polyoxymethylene
(POM), a brush 374 at one end of the wand 372, and a flanged cup
376 formed in the wand 372 at its other end. The flanged cup 376 is
shaped and sized to fit between the wiper 360 and the inner cap
350. The wand 372 and the brush 374 will project into the inner
vial 320 when the inner cap 350 is threaded onto the neck 322 of
the inner vial 320.
[0106] FIGS. 36-38 show a lip brush assembly 380. The brow brush
assembly 380 has a wand 382, preferably made of polyoxymethylene
(POM), a brush 384 at one end of the wand 382, and a flanged cup
386 formed in the wand 382 at its other end. The flanged cup 386 is
shaped and sized to fit between the wiper 360 and the inner cap
350. The wand 382 and the brush 384 will project into the inner
vial 320 when the inner cap 350 is threaded onto the neck 322 of
the inner vial 320.
[0107] It will be appreciated that a variety of brushes and other
applicators could be provided in place of the brush assemblies
shown in FIGS. 33-38.
[0108] While illustrative embodiments of the clamps disclosed
herein have been shown and described in the above description,
numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those
skilled in the art. For example, different materials might be
employed for components in place of those specifically mentioned,
the shapes of the components might be altered, additional and
different containers might be supplied that the join the system,
and other means for joining the containers might be employed. It
should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims,
the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described. Such variations and alternative embodiments are
contemplated, and can be made, without departing from the scope of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *