U.S. patent application number 14/446792 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for cosmetic compact system with a magnifying mirror.
The applicant listed for this patent is MARY ANN WHEATON. Invention is credited to MARY ANN WHEATON.
Application Number | 20150075555 14/446792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52666830 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150075555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WHEATON; MARY ANN |
March 19, 2015 |
COSMETIC COMPACT SYSTEM WITH A MAGNIFYING MIRROR
Abstract
A multi-functional, multi-layer compact for cosmetics, including
a base for holding cosmetic material and a cover hingedly connected
to the base in clam-shell manner with an inwardly facing mirror
mounted in a portion of the cover so as to provide a convex
magnifying lens. The compact mirror case provides a convex mirror
function. In the multifunctional compact mirror of the invention,
the plane mirror is set in a mirror frame within an upper housing
and facing opposite the cosmetic product. The upper housing or
cover is coupled to the lower portion or base at a hinged joint and
has a fastener to secure the upper and lower housing portions in a
closed position. Preferably, the multi-functional compact of the
invention is also multi-layered having one or more side drawers
positioned therein for housing additional cosmetic products. In
addition, each product well or area may comprise multiple
rectangular wells or areas to increase the variety of cosmetics
available for use in a single compact.
Inventors: |
WHEATON; MARY ANN;
(GARRISON, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHEATON; MARY ANN |
GARRISON |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52666830 |
Appl. No.: |
14/446792 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61877370 |
Sep 13, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/294 ;
132/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/008 20130101;
A45D 33/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/294 ;
132/301 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00; A45D 33/20 20060101 A45D033/20 |
Claims
1. A compact for holding cosmetic products, said compact
comprising: (a) a base having a first product housing region for
housing one or more cosmetic products; (b) a cover hingedly
connected to said base; and (c) a side drawer slidably mounted in
said base; wherein said side drawer comprises a second product
housing region; wherein said cover has an inner surface and an
outer surface; and wherein said cover carries an inwardly-facing
magnifying mirror optionally removably mounted on said inner
surface by a removable frame member.
2. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover carries a
detent that engages a protrusion positioned on said base to secure
said base and said cover in a closed position.
3. The compact according to claim 2, wherein said detent comprises
at least one rib formed integrally with said cover.
4. The compact according to claim 2, wherein said detent locks said
cover in a closed position when said cover is moved from an open
position into said closed position.
5. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover further
comprises a window through which said cosmetic product can be
viewed when said cover and said base are in a closed position.
6. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said mirror is a
magnifying mirror.
7. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said compact has a
generally square configuration.
8. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said cover has an
extended closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding
protrusion on said base for securing said compact in a closed
position.
9. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said second product
housing region comprises at least two product wells.
10. The compact according to claim 1, wherein said first product
housing region comprises at least two product wells.
11. The compact according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
cover portion and said base portion is made of a material selected
from the group consisting of transparent plastic, opaque plastic,
metal, wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.
12. A compact comprising: a case body having an inner frame to form
a fitting groove to hold a first product well for containing a
first cosmetic product; a cover having an inner mirror frame to
form a fitting groove to hold a magnifying mirror; and a hinge
assembly for movably interconnecting said cover to said case body,
said hinge assembly coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts of
said case body to form a hinged joint around which said cover is
opened or closed relative to said case body.
13. The compact according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said
cover and said case body is made of a material selected from the
group consisting of transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal,
wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic.
14. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said case body is
provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each spaced apart
from one another to define a space between said hinge holders, with
hinge shafts provided on inside surfaces of said hinge holders
extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of a hinge
hole formed in said upper housing member, and forming a hinge joint
around which said cover is opened or closed relative to said base
portion.
15. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover carries a
detent that engages a protrusion positioned on said case body to
secure said base and said cover in a closed position.
16. The compact according to claim 15, wherein said detent
comprises at least one rib formed integrally with said cover.
17. The compact according to claim 15, wherein said detent locks
said cover in a closed position when said cover is moved from an
open position into said closed position.
18. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover further
comprises a window through which said cosmetic product can be
viewed when said cover and said case body are in a closed
position.
19. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said mirror is a
magnifying mirror.
20. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said compact has a
generally square configuration.
21. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said cover has an
extended closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding
protrusion on said case body for securing said compact in a closed
position.
22. The compact according to claim 12, further comprising: a side
drawer slidably mounted in said case body; wherein said side drawer
comprises a second product well region comprising at least two
product wells.
23. The compact according to claim 12, wherein said first product
housing region comprises at least two product wells.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from U.S.
Prov. Ser. No. 61/877,370 filed Sep. 13, 2014, the entire contents
of which are incorporated fully by reference.
FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION
[0002] FIG. 1
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to multi-functional compacts
for cosmetics and the like. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a parallelepiped-type (generally 6-sided-type)
multi-functional compact with a magnifying mirror in which the
compact has upper and lower housing portions that open in a
clam-like manner about a hinge, wherein the upper portion houses
the magnifying mirror and the lower portion houses one or more
cosmetic products.
[0005] For illustration purposes, the present invention is
described herein as embodied in compacts for cosmetics, it being
understood, however, that its broader aspects the invention is not
limited thereto but may also be embodied in compacts for containing
other types of materials.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Compacts are commonly referred to as portable containers for
housing many cosmetics materials, including face powders,
foundations, eye shadows, blushes, and some lipsticks and mascaras.
Conventional compacts include a base formed as a tray with one or
more upwardly open recesses for holding the cosmetic material in
compressed or like stable condition, and a cover for overlying the
base and enclosing the tray to prevent the contents from drying
out, becoming contaminated, spilling, or soiling outside objects.
One or more brushes, pads such as powder puffs or other implements
for applying the cosmetics may also be placed within the compact
between the base and cover.
[0008] Typically, the base and cover are molded of plastic or
formed of metal, and are hinged together along one side of the
compact, a manually operable latch being provided on the other side
to hold them in closed position. The compact is dimensioned to be
held in the hand, and may be square, rectangular, oval, circular,
or of other regular or irregular shape. To apply the contained
cosmetics, the user opens the compact, draws an applying implement
(or a finger) across the cosmetic material held in a recess of the
base tray to pick up some of the material, and conveys it on the
implement to the appropriate facial area.
[0009] Generally, a compact comprises a flat non-magnifying
portable mirror which allows a user, particularly, a woman, views
his/her face while making up the face indoors or outdoors, and
thereby has a small size to be easily carried by the user within a
handbag, a suitcase, or a pocket of a garment. Conventionally, a
mirror is provided within the inwardly facing surface of the cover
so as to be visible by a user when the compact is open and the user
is applying the cosmetic material to the face. Thus, the user can
easily and accurately apply the cosmetic when no external mirror is
available. The disposition of the mirror within the compact cover
is an important feature of convenience in that it enables the user
to hold and position both the exposed body of cosmetic material and
the mirror in one hand while employing the other hand to manipulate
the applicator.
[0010] When a user needs to view partial areas of his/her face,
such as the eyebrows, while magnifying the partial areas of the
face during making up the face, the user wants to use a convex
mirror. However, the conventional convex mirrors are produced at
high costs, and are provided separately--typically with a separate
handle, wall mount or counter-support mount, thus increasing the
production costs of such items and rendering them unusable in
`compact form.` Typically it is known that conventional compact
mirror cases and/or the cases of a variety of makeup compacts, such
as pressed powder compacts, powder blusher compacts, cake mascara
compacts, and eyeshadow compacts.
[0011] Moreover, because the conventional compact mirror cases and
the conventional cases of the variety of makeup compacts are
small-sized to be easily carried by users and are typically
equipped with plane mirrors, the users only view their faces on the
limited reflection surfaces of the plane mirrors. Thus, the
conventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of the
variety of makeup compacts are not multifunctional.
[0012] In conventional compacts containing mirrors, the plane
mirrors installed have limited sizes of reflection surfaces, thus
forcing a user to place the mirror at a position relatively far
away from his/her face when the user needs to view his/her entire
face reflected on the mirror. However, the user cannot clearly view
the face since the image of the face focused on the mirror is too
small.
[0013] Thus, when the user paints and/or powders partial areas of
his/her face, such as the eye rims, the eyebrows or the lips, the
user needs to view the partial areas of the face on the mirror
while magnifying the partial areas to carefully make up the partial
areas. In such a case, the user must repeatedly and alternately
place the mirror at positions close to a partial area of the face
to clearly view the partial area to be painted or powdered and at
positions relative far away from the face to view the entire face
to check the painted or powdered partial area with the other areas
of the face, or alternatively divert their gaze to a conventional
magnifying mirror-in a wall, counter, or floor mount type. The
conventional compact mirror cases and the conventional cases of the
variety of makeup compacts are thus inconvenient to use.
[0014] Also, it is often desirable to package a compact in a manner
enabling retail customers to view the contained cosmetic material
at the point of sale without exposing the material to contamination
such as can occur if a compact is opened at a store by a
prospective purchaser. Accordingly, the compact may be sealed in a
transparent plastic film, e.g., in a blister package, with the
cover opened to lie flat with the base so that the contents of the
compact are clearly visible through the blister film.
[0015] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case that overcomes
the detriments seen in the known prior compact cases. There is a
further need for an improved multi-functional, multilayered
cosmetic compact case having a dual-layer base construction with a
pull out side drawer including only a single magnifying mirror and
a lie flat hinge assembly. There is also a need for an improved
multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic compact case that has
multiple compartments or wells for housing a plurality of products,
and having a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely closing the
compact when not in use.
ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
provided is a compact for holding cosmetic products comprising a
base having a first product housing region for housing one or more
cosmetic products, a cover hingedly connected to the base, and a
side drawer slidably mounted in the base, wherein the side drawer
comprises a second product housing region, wherein the cover has an
inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the cover carries
an inwardly-facing mirror removably mounted on the inner surface by
a removable frame member. The compact according to the invention
has a cover carrying a detent that engages a protrusion positioned
on the base to secure the base and the cover in a closed position,
wherein the detent comprises at least one rib formed integrally
with the cover to lock the cover in a closed position when the
cover is moved from an open position into the closed position.
Preferably, the minor is a single magnifying mirror and the compact
has a generally square configuration. The cover has an extended
closure member with a recess for engaging a corresponding
protrusion on the base for securing the compact in a closed
position. Also, the first and/or second product housing regions may
comprise more than one rectangular or other shaped product wells.
Also preferably, at least one of the cover portion and the base
portion is made of a material selected from a transparent plastic,
an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a composite, a polymer, or a
ceramic. Optionally, the cover may comprise a window through which
the cosmetic product can be viewed when the cover and the base are
in a closed position.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention provided is a compact
comprising a case body having an inner frame to form a fitting
groove to hold a first product well for containing a first cosmetic
product, a cover having an inner mirror frame to form a fitting
groove to hold a mirror, and a hinge assembly for movably
interconnecting the cover to the case body, the hinge assembly
coupled at both ends thereof to hinge shafts of the case body to
form a hinged joint around which the cover is opened or closed
relative to the case body. Preferably, at least one of the cover
portion and the base portion is made of a material selected from a
transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a
composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body is
preferably provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each
spaced apart from one another to define a space between the hinge
holders, with hinge shafts provided on inside surfaces of the hinge
holders extending toward each other and inserted into both ends of
a hinge hole formed in the upper housing member, and forming a
hinge joint around which the cover portion is opened or closed
relative to the base portion.
[0018] The present invention provides a compact for holding
cosmetics in a square shape, including one or more wells for
cosmetics and/or tools for application of same. The compact
according to the present invention preferably opens and closes in a
clam-like manner having a hinge assembly at the back end thereof
and preferably a snap-fit closure at the front end thereof.
Optionally, rectangle shapes having square-like corners may also be
used. The cosmetic container according to the present invention
preferably has only one magnifying mirror recessed in the top cover
or upper housing portion. Depending on the product, e.g., eye, lip
or face make-up, multiple product wells or areas may be used, but
not more than one simple magnifying mirror. Preferably, the
singular magnifying mirror has a magnification strength of
approximately 2-3 times the normal. Of course, lesser or greater
strength mirrors may also be used in conjunction with the present
invention. Room exists left in the upper portion to expand to a
greater strength mirror. The simple mirror compact assembly and
system improves upon complicated prior systems that include
interchangeable mirrors or multiple mirrors, which make
manufacturing and distribution very difficult and expensive.
Modification of the compact from the prior complex multi-mirror
systems to a simple compact with a singular mirror allows for
greater flexibility with respect to the choice of cosmetic products
provided. Preferably, in one embodiment of the cosmetic compact
according to the present invention provides a square single layer
compact, for example, for use with blush or wet foundation.
[0019] In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to
the present invention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic
compact case bottom or lower portion having a pull-out drawer
position therein for housing additional cosmetic product(s), for
example, for use with concealing foundation with an applicator
sponge.
[0020] In yet another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according
to the present invention provides a square single layer compact
having multiple product wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or more smaller
rectangular wells), for example, for use with 2-color eyebrow or 2
color concealer pack, or 3 shades of eye shadow, or even 4 or
more.
[0021] In another embodiment of the cosmetic compact according to
the present invention provides a dual (or double) layer cosmetic
compact case bottom or lower portion having a pull-out drawer
position therein for housing additional cosmetic product(s) each of
the layers having multiple product wells therein (i.e., 2, 3 or
more smaller rectangular wells), for example, for use with 2-color
eyebrow or 2 color concealer pack, or 3 shades of eye shadow, or
even 4 or more.
[0022] As shown and described herein, the cosmetic compact
according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a
deep base closure to facilitate a longer top (male/female) closure.
Preferably, the compact is configured in a square shape with
slightly rounded edges to prevent cracking, although other
rectangular-base shapes may be used. Within the base or lower
portion of the cosmetic compact, there is provided a
semi-permanently attached cosmetic well for housing a cosmetic
product. There is also provided a deep internal return system
within the upper well or frame of the compact to allow for the
upper magnifying mirror having a slight concave configuration and a
mirror frame. Preferably, there is provided an extended top closure
portion on the upper housing portion for secure closing of the
upper portion with the lower portion in view of the extra deep
mirror portion and product base or lower housing portion.
Preferably, the inner frames for securing the mirror and product
wells appear invisible to allow for securing the magnifying mirror
and/or product wells as well as making rounded edges still appear
square. There is provided a cut out hinge system that allows for
clam-like opening and closing of the cosmetic compact according to
the invention. Preferably, the lower interior frame aligns the
product well with the compact's upper portion. Also preferably, a
pull out side drawer is provided for housing additional cosmetic
product(s). This is an improvement over the existing compacts in
that rather than a bottom drawer, which is very difficult and
cumbersome to use while applying makeup, a side drawer provides
simple and convenient access to the product positioned therein.
Such a drawer will have a square shape finish such that its corners
will match the corners of the upper and lower housing portions of
the compact to essentially hide the drawer therein.
[0023] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a new
and improved cosmetic material container of the type comprising a
compact. A particular object is to provide such a container
providing a size or area of inwardly-facing simple mirror on the
cover of the compact providing a significant mirror-magnification
to allow efficient and accurate make-up application. Another object
is to provide an improved multi-functional, multilayered cosmetic
compact case having a dual-layer base construction with a pull out
side drawer including only a single magnifying mirror, a lie flat
hinge assembly, multiple compartments or wells for housing a
plurality of products, and a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely
closing the compact when not in use.
[0024] To these and other ends, the present invention broadly
contemplates the provision of a compact for holding cosmetics or
the like, including a base for containing a quantity of cosmetic
material, and a cover hingedly connected to the base and having an
extended area with an inner surface and an outer surface, disposed
in a first portion of the extended area, and an inwardly-facing
magnifying mirror, mounted on the inner surface. As a further
feature of the invention, in currently preferred embodiments, the
cover carries a latch mechanism that engages a receiving portion on
a second lower housing portion or base to retain the cover in a
closed position. The detent may comprise at least one rib formed
integrally with the cover or lower housing portion or base.
[0025] The present invention has been made keeping in mind the
above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the
present invention is to provide a multifunctional compact mirror
case, of which an upper case body seats, in a frame seating well
thereof, a mirror frame having upper and lower portions, and in
which the upper surface and a lower surface are concave and convex
to form a concave lens part and a convex lens part, or convex or
concave to form a convex lens part and a concave lens part,
respectively, thus allowing a user to use a concave mirror function
formed by both the concave lens part, and which allows the user to
view his/her face on the upper plane mirror when the lid is open
from the case body. This is thus efficiently used by the user
outdoors while traveling, such as traveling on business, or
indoors, such as in an office room. In the compact according to the
invention, a transparent window may optionally be provided in the
cover to enable point-of-purchase viewing of the contents of the
compact with the compact in a closed position, while a replaceable
mirror, initially underlying the cosmetic product, for example,
leaves the window unobstructed, can be readily installed upon first
use of the compact. A magnifying mirror use in combination with the
construction is the most commonly envisioned use of the present
invention, but nothing herein will so limit the invention to that
most common use.
[0026] To achieve the above objects, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a
multi-functional and/or multi-layered cosmetic compact mirror case,
comprising a base having a first product housing region for housing
one or more cosmetic products, a cover hingedly connected to the
base, and a side drawer slidably mounted in the base, wherein the
side drawer comprises a second product housing region, wherein the
cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the
cover carries an inwardly-facing mirror removably mounted on the
inner surface by a removable frame member.
[0027] The compact described herein provides improved magnification
with simplified design and fewer components. These characteristics
are particularly advantageous in a variety of compacts for a
variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, having a
dual-layer base construction with a pull out side drawer including
only a single magnifying mirror, having a lie flat hinge assembly,
having multiple compartments or wells for housing a plurality of
products, and having a secure snap-fit mechanism for securely
closing the compact when not in use.
[0028] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a
compact that addresses the concerns and deficiencies in prior
designs, and which is still functional, practical and aesthetically
pleasing.
[0029] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] A further understanding of the present invention can be
obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the
illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the
illustrated preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of methods,
structures and compositions for carrying out the present invention,
both the organization and method of the invention, in general,
together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be
more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the
following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the
scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in
the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to
clarify and exemplify the invention.
[0031] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following drawings in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dual-layer cosmetic
compact depicted in an open configuration in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown
in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a top right front perspective view of the
cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact shown
in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown
in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the
cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 1 depicted in a closed configuration
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a single-layer cosmetic
compact depicted in an open configuration in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 10A shows a bottom plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 10B shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 10C shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a top right front perspective view of the
cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration
according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a front plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a left side plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 14 shows a right side plan view of the cosmetic compact
shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 15 shows a back plan view of the cosmetic compact shown
in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0051] FIG. 16 shows a bottom right front perspective view of the
cosmetic compact shown in FIG. 9 depicted in a closed configuration
according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the
present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques,
systems, compositions and operating structures in accordance with
the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes,
shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from
those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely
representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the
best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis
for the claims herein which define the scope of the present
invention.
[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in
the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts
or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to
precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only,
directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above,
below, etc., or motional terms, such as forward, back, sideways,
transverse, etc. may be used with respect to the drawings. These
and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the
scope of the invention in any manner.
[0054] Referring first to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of
the multi-layer or dual-layer compact 100 in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, depicted in an open
configuration. As illustrated, compact 100 is of a generally square
(or rectangular) plan configuration, dimensioned to be held in a
user's hand, for holding a cosmetic material such as powder, blush,
mascara, foundation, or the like, for application to the face. The
compact 100 includes a base 11 preferably formed or provided with a
side drawer 13 that houses a product well or housing region 14, and
a cover 5 is hingedly connected to the base 11 and has an extended
area 8 with opposed inner and outer surfaces, i.e., surfaces
respectively facing toward and away from the interior of the
compact 100 when the cover 5 is in closed position overlying the
base 11. The cover 5 may optionally carry a transparent window (not
shown) disposed in the top surface 19 of the cover 5 to enable a
prospective end user to view the color (shade) of the contained
cosmetic, e.g. at a point-of-purchase display, without opening the
compact, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror 6, mounted in the
inner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5. More
particularly, in the compact of FIGS. 1-8 the base 11 and cover 5
are of identical square (or rectangular) plan diameter (though they
may differ in depth), interconnected along one edge portion by a
hinge assembly 10 and provided on an opposite edge portion with a
latch assembly (comprising cover extended portion 8 having a recess
or detent, and base closure portion 1 having a protrusion 15) for
securing the cover 5 in closed position on the base 11. The hinge
and latch may be entirely conventional in structure, function and
location.
[0055] The base 11 and cover 5 are substantially rigid and are
self-sustaining in shape. They may be fabricated in a generally
conventional manner of materials conventionally used for such
purposes, such as, transparent plastic, opaque plastic, metal,
wood, composite, polymer, and ceramic. Conveniently, the cover 5 is
a molded element, with an optional aperture in which a window
(itself typically a molded transparent plastic member) is fixedly
assembled so as to constitute an effectively integral part of the
cover for enclosing the cosmetic-containing interior of the
compact. The base is also an element molded of opaque plastic.
Optionally, such a window may comprise a two-way mirror (i.e.,
substantially reflective in a first direction and substantially
transparent in a second direction.
[0056] In accordance with the invention, the cosmetic-holding well
or portion 3 of the base 11 may include a molded plastic element or
inner frame 17 fixedly mounted, for example, by snap fitting in the
interior of the base 11 to define well 3, opening upwardly within
the interior of the compact, for holding a quantity of cosmetic
material or other product. Alternatively, the base 11 may be a
single-piece base which has no holding well 3 but rather is capable
to hold the cosmetic material. Also, since the compact is
ordinarily carried by a user with the cover member 5 closed and
latched over the base member 11 so as to enclose the contained
cosmetics, the compact 100 must be opened to expose the
cosmetic-holding recess 3 to allow access to the cosmetic material.
Thus, the user then removes a portion of a the contained cosmetic
material with, for example, an applicator tool (e.g., a powder puff
or like pad, brush or other implement), or a finger, and applies
the cosmetic to his/her face. To facilitate such operation, the
hinge assembly 10 permits the cover 5 to move, in opening, through
an angle of at least about 90.degree. relative to the base 11.
Preferably, however, the cover 5 is movable to a full-open position
at an angle of 180.degree. relative to the base 11.
[0057] The cover 5, as seen in FIGS. 1-8, preferably has the shape
of a shallow square inverted pan with a planar lip or edge flange
extending inwardly (i.e., toward the interior of the compact 100)
entirely around the circumference of the cover 5. Thus, the cover 5
may be considered to have a recessed planar inner surface facing
the interior of the compact 100. The inwardly facing mirror 6
occupies substantially the entire area of the inner surface of the
cover 5. The proximate edges of the mirror 6 lie along a line
parallel to the width of the cover 5. It will be appreciated that
these specific features of configuration and arrangement are merely
illustrative and are nonlimiting. Advantageously, one or more ribs
may be molded into the extended portion 8 of the cover 5 to engage
and lock the cover 5 with the base 11 in a closed position.
[0058] For the initial use of the compact 100, the user unlatches
and opens the compact 100, exposing the interior of the cover 5 and
base 11 as shown in FIG. 1. In a generally extended position, the
reflective surface of the magnifying mirror 6 faces inwardly so
that substantially the entire inner surface area of the cover 5 of
compact 100 becomes a usable mirror. That is to say, once cover 5
has been rotated into an extended position, the area of the mirror
6 is viewable to constitute the mirror area available for use in
applying the contained cosmetic. While the mirror 6 is preferably a
magnifying mirror, it may nonetheless be, for example, an ordinary
(non-magnifying) mirror.
[0059] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
provided is compact 100 comprising a base 11 having a first product
housing region 3 for housing one or more cosmetic products, a cover
5 hingedly connected to the base 11, and a side drawer 13 slidably
mounted in the base 11, wherein the side drawer 13 comprises a
second product housing region 14, wherein the cover 5 has an inner
surface and an outer surface, and wherein the cover 5 carries an
inwardly-facing mirror 6 removably mounted on the inner surface by
a removable frame member 9. The cover 5 of compact 100 according to
the invention has a detent that engages a protrusion 15 positioned
on the base 11 to secure the base 11 and the cover 5 in a closed
position, wherein the detent optionally comprises at least one rib
formed integrally with the cover 5 to lock the cover 5 in a closed
position when the cover 5 is moved from an open position into the
closed position.
[0060] Preferably, the mirror 6 is a single magnifying mirror and
the compact 100 has a generally square configuration. The cover 5
has an extended closure member 8 with a recess for engaging a
corresponding protrusion 15 on the base 11 for securing the compact
100 in a closed position. Also, the first and/or second product
housing regions 3/14 may comprise more than one rectangular or
other shaped product wells. Also preferably, at least one of the
cover portion 5 and the base portion 11 is made of a material
selected from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a
wood, a composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Optionally, the cover 5
may comprise a window through which the cosmetic product can be
viewed when the cover 5 and the base 11 are in a closed
position.
[0061] As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, which show bottom, front and
side plan views of the compact shown in FIG. 1 in a closed
configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, side drawer portion 13 is preferably of a size and shape
consistent with the size and shape of the base 11. Alternatively,
more than one side drawer 13 may be used, either vertically one on
top of the other, or horizontally side by side with each other.
Preferably, side drawer 13 has ends 12 for ease in opening and
closing drawer 13 during use.
[0062] Turning next to FIGS. 3-8, shown are various views of the
compact 100 shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration according to
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen,
cover 5 and base 11 are preferably consistent in size and shape. It
is preferred that the overall shape of the compact 100 is square
but that each cover corner 7 and base corner 2 are rounded and
matching for easy and safe handling of the compact 100.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, shown is a perspective view of
a single-layer compact 110 in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, depicted in an open
configuration. As illustrated, alternative compact 110 is also of a
generally square (or rectangular) plan configuration, dimensioned
to be held in a user's hand, for holding a cosmetic material such
as powder, blush, mascara, foundation, or the like, for application
to the face. The compact 110 includes a base 11 preferably formed
or provided with a product well or housing region 3, and a cover 5
that is hingedly connected to the base 11. As with compact 100, the
alternative compact 110 has an extended area 8 with opposed inner
and outer surfaces, i.e., surfaces respectively facing toward and
away from the interior of the compact 110 when the cover 5 is in
closed position overlying the base 11. The cover 5 may optionally
carry a transparent window (not shown) disposed in the top surface
19 of the cover 5, and an inwardly facing magnifying mirror 6,
mounted in the inner frame 9 on the inner surface of the cover 5.
More particularly, in the compact of FIGS. 9-16 the base 11 and
cover 5 are of identical square (or rectangular) plan diameter
(though they may differ in depth), interconnected along one edge
portion by a hinge assembly 10 and provided on an opposite edge
portion with a latch assembly (comprising cover extended portion 8
having a recess or detent, and base closure portion 1 having a
protrusion 15) for securing the cover 5 in closed position on the
base 11. The hinge and latch may be entirely conventional in
structure, function and location.
[0064] In this alternative embodiment of the present invention
provided is a compact 110 comprising a case body 11 having an inner
frame 17 to form a fitting groove to hold a first product well 3
for containing a first cosmetic product, a cover 5 having an inner
mirror frame 9 to form a fitting groove to hold a mirror 6, and a
hinge assembly 10 for movably interconnecting the cover 5 to the
case body 11. The hinge assembly 10 is preferably coupled at both
ends thereof to hinge shafts 4 of the case body 11 to form a hinged
joint around which the cover 5 is opened or closed relative to the
case body 11. Preferably, at least one of the cover portion 5 and
the base portion 11 of compact 110 is made of a material selected
from a transparent plastic, an opaque plastic, a metal, a wood, a
composite, a polymer, or a ceramic. Also, the case body 11 is
preferably provided at each side thereof with a hinge holder each
spaced apart from one another to define a space between the hinge
holders, with hinge shafts 4 provided on inside surfaces of the
hinge holders extending toward each other and inserted into both
ends of a hinge hole formed in the upper housing member, and
forming a hinge joint around which the cover portion 5 is opened or
closed relative to the base portion 11.
[0065] Lastly, referring to FIGS. 11-16 show various views of the
compact 110 shown in FIG. 9 but in a closed configuration according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As can be
seen, cover 5 and base 11 of the alternative compact 110 are
preferably consistent in size and shape. It is preferred that the
overall shape of the compact 110 is square but that each cover
corner 7 and base corner 2 are rounded and matching for easy and
safe handling of the compact 110.
[0066] In yet a further alternative and adaptive system (not shown
in the drawings) a lip makeup assembly is provided, in the form of
a lipstick tube (rectangular or circular container for lipstick
cosmetic makeup), one side may be provided with a magnifying mirror
as discussed herein. Such a magnifying mirror on the side of a
lipstick tube assembly may be on the lipstick cap-cover portion of
such a system or alternatively on the holding-non-cap-cover portion
of such a system. Preferably, and while not departing from the
scope of the present invention, the magnifying mirror would be on
the cover-cap portion of the lipstick tube assembly so that a user
may position the cover-cap portion with one hand, while applying
the lipstick cosmetic using the other hand (holding the
non-cap-cover portion. This embodiment is not shown in the figures,
but one of skill in the art will readily appreciate the same
without need to refer to a drawing. In another alternative lip
cosmetic embodiment, a rectangular lipstick cosmetic cover is
formed as a parallel piped, having a magnifying mirror on one side
extending substantially all of one side and substantially flush
therewith for convenience (but not limited thereto).
LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0067] 1 base closure portion [0068] 2 base corner or lower housing
portion corner [0069] 3 first product well or portion [0070] 4
hinge rod [0071] 5 upper housing portion or cover [0072] 6
magnifying mirror [0073] 7 cover corner or upper housing portion
corner [0074] 8 extended top closure [0075] 9 mirror inner frame
[0076] 10 hinge assembly [0077] 11 lower housing portion or base
[0078] 12 drawer end portion [0079] 13 side drawer [0080] 14 second
product well or portion [0081] 15 latch or protrusion [0082] 16
product inner frame [0083] 17 product inner frame [0084] 18 bottom
surface [0085] 19 top surface [0086] 20 product well outline [0087]
21 mirror outline [0088] 100 dual-layer cosmetic compact [0089] 110
single-layer cosmetic compact
[0090] In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are
intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail,
a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a
nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical
surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden
part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden
part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a
screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the
art as equivalent structures.
[0091] Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments
of the present invention with reference to the accompanying
drawings sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
practice the invention, and to provide the best mode of practicing
the invention presently contemplated by the inventor, it is to be
understood that such embodiments are merely exemplary and that the
invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that
various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected
therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope
or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not mutually exclusive
combinations of features; rather, the invention may comprise a
combination of different individual features selected from
different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of
ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention, therefore,
shall be defined solely by the appended claims.
[0092] Further, while there is provided herein a full and complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction,
dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and
equivalents will readily occur to those skilled hi the art and may
be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative
materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes,
forms, functions, operational features or the like, it will be
apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be
made in such details without departing from the spirit and the
principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the
present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms
without departing from its essential characteristics.
* * * * *