U.S. patent application number 15/919467 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for customizable palette.
This patent application is currently assigned to HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Megan Langdon, Armando Villarreal.
Application Number | 20180263361 15/919467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63520516 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180263361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Langdon; Megan ; et
al. |
September 20, 2018 |
CUSTOMIZABLE PALETTE
Abstract
A cosmetic container that includes a base assembly, a first lid
assembly, and a second lid assembly. The lid assemblies may be
pivotably coupled to the base assembly to selectively provide
access to a first portion of the base assembly and a second portion
of the base assembly. The cosmetic container may include a first
plurality of trays positioned within the first portion of the base
assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly and a
second plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of
the base assembly and releasably secured relative to the base
assembly. The trays may be removable, replaceable, and/or
interchangeable to provide a customizable palette.
Inventors: |
Langdon; Megan; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Villarreal; Armando; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED |
CENTRAL |
|
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CENTRAL
CN
|
Family ID: |
63520516 |
Appl. No.: |
15/919467 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62471641 |
Mar 15, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/20 20130101;
B65D 1/36 20130101; A45D 33/24 20130101; A45D 40/22 20130101; B65D
21/083 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101; A45D 2200/25 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/24 20060101
A45D040/24 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic container comprising: a base assembly including a
first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a
back wall extending between a top edge the first and second lateral
side walls, and a platform extending between a bottom edge of the
first and second lateral side walls; a first lid assembly pivotably
coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a first
portion of the base assembly; and a first plurality of trays
positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and
releasably secured relative to the base assembly.
2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the first plurality
of trays are magnetically coupled to the base assembly.
3. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein each tray of the
first plurality of trays includes at least one magnet disposed on a
surface thereof.
4. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein each tray of the
first plurality of trays includes at least one magnet embedded in a
wall thereof.
5. The cosmetic container of claim 1, further comprising a first
plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the back wall.
6. The cosmetic container of claim 1, further comprising a first
plurality of magnets embedded in the back wall.
7. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the first plurality
of trays are configured to be removable from the base assembly.
8. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of
trays are configured to be repositionable within the base
assembly.
9. A cosmetic container comprising: a base assembly including a
first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a
bridge extending between a top edge the first and second lateral
side walls, and a platform extending between a bottom edge of the
first and second lateral side walls; a first lid assembly pivotably
coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a first
portion of the base assembly; a second lid assembly pivotably
coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a second
portion of the base assembly; a first plurality of trays positioned
within the first portion of the base assembly and releasably
secured relative to the base assembly; and a second plurality of
trays positioned within the second portion of the base assembly and
releasably secured relative to the base assembly.
10. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein the first and/or
second plurality of trays are magnetically coupled to the base
assembly.
11. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein each tray of the
first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays includes
at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof.
12. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein each tray of the
first plurality of trays and the second plurality of trays includes
at least one magnet embedded in a wall thereof.
13. The cosmetic container of claim 9, further comprising a first
wall and a second wall extending between the bridge and the
platform.
14. The cosmetic container of claim 13, further comprising a first
plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the first wall and a
second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the second
wall, the surface of the second wall facing away from the surface
of the first wall.
15. The cosmetic container of claim 13, further comprising a first
plurality of magnets embedded in the first wall adjacent to a first
surface of the wall and a second plurality of magnets embedded in
the second wall adjacent to a second surface of the wall, the
second surface facing away from the first surface of the first
wall.
16. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein the first lid
assembly and the second lid assembly are configured to be in an
open configuration simultaneously.
17. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein the first plurality
of trays and the second plurality of trays are configured to be
removable from the base assembly.
18. The cosmetic container of claim 9, further comprising one or
more magnets disposed on a surface of the platform.
19. The cosmetic container of claim 9, further comprising one or
more magnets embedded in the platform.
20. A cosmetic container comprising: a base assembly including a
first lateral side wall, a second opposing lateral side wall, a
bridge extending between a top edge the first and second lateral
side walls, a platform extending between a bottom edge of the first
and second lateral side walls, and a third wall and a fourth wall
extending between the bridge and the platform; a first lid assembly
pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a
first portion of the base assembly; a second lid assembly pivotably
coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a second
portion of the base assembly; a first plurality of trays
magnetically coupled within the first portion of the base assembly;
and a second plurality of trays magnetically coupled within the
second portion of the base assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/471,641, filed
on Mar. 15, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to a cosmetic
compact, and in particular, to a customizable palette.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are numerous containers such as compacts and palettes
for cosmetic products available. Such containers hold products in a
useable form with various designs to allow a user access to the
products. New and alternative approaches to such devices are
desired.
SUMMARY
[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing
methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.
[0005] In a first example a cosmetic container may comprise a base
assembly including a first lateral side wall, a second opposing
lateral side wall, a bridge extending between a top edge the first
and second lateral side walls, and a platform extending between a
bottom edge of the first and second lateral side walls, a first lid
assembly pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to
cover a first portion of the base assembly, a second lid assembly
pivotably coupled to the base assembly and configured to cover a
second portion of the base assembly, a first plurality of trays
positioned within the first portion of the base assembly and
releasably secured relative to the base assembly, and a second
plurality of trays positioned within the second portion of the base
assembly and releasably secured relative to the base assembly.
[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first plurality of trays may be
magnetically coupled to the base assembly.
[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, each tray of the first plurality of trays may
include at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof.
[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, each tray of the first plurality of trays may
include at least one magnet embedded in a wall thereof.
[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, each tray of the second plurality of trays may
include at least one magnet disposed on a surface thereof.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, each tray of the second plurality of trays may
include at least one magnet embedded in a wall thereof.
[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a
first wall and a second wall extending between the bridge and the
platform.
[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a
first plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the first
wall.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a
second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface of the second
wall, the surface of the second wall facing away from the surface
of the first wall.
[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a
first plurality of magnets embedded in the first wall adjacent to a
first surface of the wall.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a
second plurality of magnet embedded in the second wall adjacent to
a second surface of the wall, the second surface facing away from
the first surface of the first wall.
[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first lid assembly and the second lid
assembly may be configured to be open simultaneously.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first plurality of trays and the second
plurality of trays may be configured to be removable from the base
assembly.
[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the first plurality of trays and the second
plurality of trays may be configured to be repositionable within
the base assembly.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, at least one tray of the first or second
plurality of trays may be configured to hold a cosmetic
product.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, at least one tray of the first or second
plurality of trays may be configured to hold a cosmetic
implement.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one
or more magnets disposed on a surface of the platform.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above,
in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise one
or more magnets embedded in the platform.
[0023] The above summary of some example embodiments is not
intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every
implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed
Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are
best understood from the following detailed description when read
in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific
instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the
following Figures:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an illustrative
customizable cosmetic container;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the lid assemblies removed;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with the lid assemblies in an open
configuration;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with one lid assembly open and a tray
removed;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an illustrative tray
from the cosmetic container of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5B is a back perspective view of the illustrative tray
of FIG. 5A;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a front perspective top view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1 with a lid assembly and trays removed;
and
[0032] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic
container of FIG. 1 taken at line 8-8; and
[0034] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative
cosmetic container of FIG. 1 taken at line 9-9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
throughout the several views. The description and drawings show
several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in
nature.
[0036] For convenience, the present disclosure may be described
using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top,
bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others.
It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for
illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any
manner.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a customizable
cosmetic container or palette 10 in a closed configuration
according to embodiments disclosed herein. The cosmetic container
10 may be customizable in that the cosmetics retained within the
container 10 can be easily removed and inserted by the user and in
any arrangement, as desired. As shown at FIG. 1, the cosmetic
container 10 may include a base assembly 12, a first lid assembly
14, and a second lid assembly 16. Each of the first and second lid
assemblies 14, 16 may be pivotably coupled to the base assembly 12.
The first lid assembly 14 may be configured to cover a first or
front portion 15 of the cosmetic container 10 and the second lid
assembly 16 may be configured to cover a second or back portion 17
of the cosmetic container 10. While the first and second portions
15, 17 are illustrated as being substantially similar in size, it
is contemplated that the first and second portions 15, 17 can have
differing sizes (e.g., length, width, depth), as desired. The
cosmetic container 10 may have a generally rectangular shape.
However, the cosmetic container 10 may take any shaped desired,
including, but not limited to, square, circular, triangular,
half-ovoid, polygonal, etc.
[0038] In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the
various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g.,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, other polymers,
glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments may,
however, include containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid
material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the base and/or lid
assemblies 12, 14, 16 may comprise a transparent or translucent
material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally
viewed.
[0039] The cosmetic container 10 may include a first plurality of
trays 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e (collectively, 18) accessible
underneath the first lid assembly 14. For example, the first lid
assembly 14 can be rotated open to expose the plurality of trays
18, as will be described in more detail herein. As can be seen in
FIG. 2, which is a front perspective view of the customizable
cosmetic container 10 with the lid assemblies 14, 16 removed, a
second plurality of trays 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e (collectively,
22) are accessible underneath the second lid assembly 16. Each tray
of the first plurality of trays 18 may include a fill puck 20a,
20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (collectively, 20) and each tray of the second
plurality of trays 22 may include a fill puck 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d,
24e (collectively, 24). The fill pucks 20, 24 may be configured to
receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose
powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), pressed powders
(e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare,
eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g.,
lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked
powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like.
[0040] While the trays 18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 illustrated
as each having a similar size, it is contemplated that the trays
18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 may have differing sizes and/or a
different number of trays 18, 22 and/or fill pucks 20, 24 may be
provided on each portion 15, 17 of the container 10. For example,
the first portion 15 may be provided with two trays 18. A first of
the two trays may span a length equivalent to the first three trays
18a, 18b, 18c illustrated in FIG. 2. A second of the two trays may
span a length equivalent to the last two trays 18d, 18e. This is
just an example. The cosmetic container 10 may be provided with a
large array of tray sizes and placement configurations on both the
first and second portions 15, 17 of the container 10. Tray widths
may be equivalent to one tray (e.g., 18a), two trays (e.g., 18a and
18b), three trays (e.g., 18a, 18b, and 18c), four trays (e.g., 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d), or five trays (e.g., 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and
18e), as desired. The fill pucks 20, 24 may be sized and shaped to
generally fill their respective tray 18, 22, although this is not
required. In some cases, one or more trays 18, 22 may be free from
a fill puck 20, 24 to allow for the placement and/or retention of a
cosmetic implement. Some illustrative implements may include but
are not limited to an applicator with a handle, an applicator
without a handle, a stencil (e.g., a brow stencil), tweezers, a
brush with or without a handle, a sponge with or without a handle,
a pencil, a vial, a lipstick, etc.
[0041] The base assembly 12 may include a right (or first) lateral
side wall 26 and a left (or second) opposing lateral side wall 28.
The side walls 26, 28 may be interconnected by a bridge 30. The
bridge 30 may include a first angled surface 32 facing a front side
of the container 10 and a second angled surface 38 facing a back
side of the container 10 direction generally opposite from the
front side. The angled surfaces 32, 38 may allow the first and
second lid assemblies 14, 16 to be pivoted open simultaneously to
allow for access to cosmetics or implements in the front portion 15
and/or the back portion 17 at the same time, as shown in FIG. 3.
The left side wall 28 may include an aperture or hole 34 positioned
on a front side of and adjacent to the bridge 30. The aperture 34
may be configured to receive a pin extending from a left side
surface the first lid assembly 14 to allow for pivotable rotation
of the first lid assembly 14 relative to the base assembly 12.
While not explicitly shown the right side wall 26 may include a
similar aperture for receiving a second pin extending from a right
side surface of the first lid assembly 14. Similarly, a second
aperture or hole 36 is positioned on a back side of and adjacent to
the bridge 30. The aperture 36 may be configured to receive a pin
extending from a left side surface the second lid assembly 16 to
allow for pivotable rotation of the second lid assembly 16 relative
to the base assembly 12. While not explicitly shown the right side
wall 26 may include a similar aperture for receiving a second pin
extending from a right side surface of the second lid assembly
16.
[0042] The left side wall 28 may include a first or front recess 40
positioned at or adjacent to a front side 80 thereof and a back or
second recess 42 positioned at or adjacent to a back side 82
thereof. While not explicitly shown, the right side wall 26 may
include similar recesses at or adjacent to the front (or first) and
back (or second) ends thereof. The recesses 40, 42 (and those on
the right side wall 26) may be configured to receive tabs or
protrusions extending from left and right side walls of the lid
assemblies 14, 16. For example, tabs 44, 46 for engaging the
recesses on the right side wall 26 can be seen in FIG. 3. The tabs
44, 46 may be engaged with the recesses or the right side wall 26
to allow for the lid assemblies 14, 16 to be releasably secured to
the base assembly 12.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a customizable
cosmetic container or palette 10 with both lid assemblies 14, 16 in
a fully open configuration. It should be understood the lid
assemblies 14, 16 may be opened individually (e.g., with one of the
lid assemblies 14, 16 remaining closed) or may be opened
(individually or together) to a positioned between the closed and
fully open configuration, as desired. While not explicitly shown,
the first and/or second lid assembly 14, 16 may include a mirror
positioned on an inner surface thereof. The first lid assembly 14
may include a groove or recess 48 formed in a front surface
thereof. The recess 48 may provide an access or grip point to allow
the user to apply an upwards force on the lid assembly 14 to pivot
the lid assembly to an open configuration. In some cases, the
recess 48 may not be provided. Similarly, the second lid assembly
16 may include a groove or recess 50 formed in a back surface
thereof. The recess 50 may provide an access or grip point to allow
the user to apply an upwards force on the lid assembly 16 to pivot
the lid assembly 16 to the open configuration. In some cases, the
recess 50 may not be provided.
[0044] In the closed configuration, the first lid assembly 14 may
be configured rest on a lip or ridge 52 extending from the left
side wall 28 and a lip or ridge 54 extending from the right side
wall 26. The lid assembly 14 may include mating notches or recesses
76, 78 to allow the lid assembly 14 and the base assembly 12 to
form a generally uniform or planar outer surface when the cosmetic
container 10 is in the closed configuration. While not explicitly
shown, the second lid assembly 16 may be configured to engage
ridges in the base assembly 12 in a similar manner.
[0045] The trays 18, 22 may be removable, replaceable and/or
interchangeable, as desired. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view
of the illustrative cosmetic container with a tray 18a removed from
the front portion 15. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the
illustrative cosmetic container 10 with the first lid assembly 14
and the front trays 18 and fill pucks 20 removed. The base assembly
12 may include a platform 58 extending between the left side wall
28 and the right side wall 26 adjacent to a bottom end of the side
walls 26, 28. In some embodiments, the platform 58 may not extend
the entire width of the base assembly 12. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6, the platform 58 may not fully extend to the front 80
and/or back sides 82 of the base assembly 12. However, in some
embodiments, the platform 58 may extend the entire width of the
base assembly 12.
[0046] The trays 18, 22 may be configured to be slid into the base
assembly 12. In some cases, the base assembly 12 may include a wall
62 extending between the right side wall 26 and the left slide wall
28. In some cases, the wall 62 may extend between the platform 58
and the bridge 30, although this is not required. The wall 62 may
be a double wall having a first wall that faces the first trays 18
and a second wall that faces the second trays 22. The wall 62 may
provide a mechanical stop to limit front to back (or back to front)
movement of the tray(s) 18, 22. In some cases, the trays 18, 22 may
be magnetically coupled to the base assembly 12 to secure the trays
18, 22 to the cosmetic container 10. In other words, the magnetic
coupling may allow for the intentional removal and/or insertion of
one or more trays 18, 22 within the base assembly 12 while limiting
or preventing accidental dislocation of the trays 18, 22 during
movement of or routine use of the cosmetic container 10.
[0047] Referring additionally to FIG. 8, which illustrates a
cross-sectional view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10,
taken at line 8-8 of FIG. 1, a magnet 96a-j (collectively, 96) may
be disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a part of
the tray 18. The second plurality of trays 22 may similarly include
a magnet be disposed on, embedded in, attached to, or otherwise a
part of the tray 22. However, for clarity, the magnets in the trays
22 have not been identified in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, magnets
94a-j (collectively 94) may be disposed on, embedded in, attached
to, or otherwise a part of the wall 62. The wall 62 may include a
second array or plurality of magnets configured to magnetically
couple with magnets in the second plurality of trays 22. However,
for clarity, the magnets in the wall 62 for engaging the second
plurality of trays 22 have not been identified in FIG. 8. In some
examples, the magnets in the base may be replaced by a ferrous
material to which magnets in the trays may attached; individual
elements may be used at each position in the base as shown.
Alternatively, to simplify manufacture of the base, a long piece of
ferrous material, such as a piece of stainless steel, may be used
instead of the individual elements, however, then it may be
necessary to ensure that magnets in the trays are particularly
placed with all polarities the same. In still another example, the
base assembly 12 may include all the magnets, while the trays 18,
22 are formed with a ferrous material across the back portion
thereof to attain attraction to the base assembly magnets.
[0048] As the trays 18, 22 are slid into the base assembly 12, the
magnetically coupling between the trays 18, 22 and the base
assembly 12 may draw the tray 18, 22 into alignment. In other
words, the magnets 94, 96 may be positioned to facilitate assembly
of the trays 18, 22 with the base assembly 12 in an easy and
intuitive manner. It is contemplated that the trays 18, 22 and the
base assembly 12 may include any number of magnets 94, 96 in any
number of arrangements to releasably secure the trays 18, 22
within/to the base assembly 12. For example, the trays 18, 22
and/or the base assembly 12 may be provided with an elongated
magnet that extends along a length thereof. This is just an
example.
[0049] It is further contemplated that the magnets 94, 96 may be
positioned at and/or within additional or other locations on the
base assembly 12 and the tray 18, 22, as desired. For example,
referring additionally to FIG. 9 which is a cross-sectional view of
the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 taken at line 9-9,
the platform 58 may include one or more of magnets 110 for
magnetically coupling to one or more magnets 112 in the first
plurality of trays 18. The platform 58 may include one or more
additional magnets 114 for magnetically coupling to one or more
magnets 116 in the second plurality of trays 22. It is contemplated
that the magnets in the platform 110, 114 may be used in addition
to or in place of the magnets 94 in the walls 62 of the base
assembly 12. Similarly, the magnets in the bottoms of the trays 18,
22 may be used in addition to or in place of the magnets 96 in the
trays 18, 22. It should be further understood that the magnets 94,
96 in the wall 62 and/or the trays 18, 22 may be used without the
use of additional magnets 110, 112, 114, 116 in the platform 58
and/or trays 18, 22
[0050] The base assembly 12 as shown does not include any track or
guide for the lateral placement of the trays therein; in other
embodiments a channel may be provided to receive a mating
protrusion on the bottom of a tray 18, 22 (such protrusion is not
shown in the embodiment of the figure but may be provided). In
still other embodiments, a ridge or protrusion may be provided to
mate with a channel in the bottom of the trays 18, 20 to aid in
controlling lateral position of the trays in the base assembly
12.
[0051] The trays 18, 22 will be/have been described with reference
to a specific tray 18a. However is should be understood that the
all of the trays 18, 22 may include similar or the same features as
described herein. It should be further understood that trays having
a different length or size from the trays 18, 22 shown herein may
also include similar or the same features as described herein. FIG.
5A illustrates a front perspective view of an illustrative tray 18a
and FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of the illustrative
tray 18a of FIG. 5A. The tray 18a may include structural features
which allows it to be removable engaged with the base assembly 12
while providing generally smooth or planar surfaces in combination
with the lid assemblies 14, 16 and the base assembly 12 when the
cosmetic container 10 is in the closed configuration. The tray 18a
may also include structural features which limit advancement of the
tray 18a relative to the base assembly 12 to guide the user in
assembling the trays 18, 22 with the base assembly 12.
[0052] The tray 18a includes a bottom side 84, a top side 98, a
front side 86, a back side 92, a left side 90, and a right side 88.
The bottom side 84 may include a step or lip 74 positioned between
the front side 86 and the back side 92 of the tray 18a. The step 74
may be configured to engage a front surface 64 of the platform 58.
A tray 22 positioned on the back portion 17 of the cosmetic
container 10 may be configured to engage a similar surface on the
back side of the platform 58. For example, the tray 18a may slid
along the platform 58 such that the bottom side 84 is positioned
above the platform 58. Further movement of the tray 18a may be
limited through one or more mechanical stops. For example, the back
side 92 of the tray 18a may contact the wall 62. Alternatively or
additionally, the step 74 may contact the edge 64 of the platform
58. When the tray 18a is assembled with the base assembly, a front
portion 100 of the bottom side 84 forms a generally planar surface
with the base assembly 12, as can be more readily seen in FIG. 7
which illustrates a bottom perspective view of the illustrative
cosmetic container 10.
[0053] The top side 98 may include a first step or lip 70
positioned adjacent to the back side 92 of the tray 18a. The step
70 may be configured to engage a front surface 102 (see, for
example, FIG. 6) of a ledge 56 extending between the right side
wall 26 and the left side wall 28. A tray 22 positioned on the back
portion 17 of the cosmetic container 10 may be configured to engage
a similar surface on the back side base assembly. A portion 68 of
the tray 18a may be disposed under the ledge 56. The top side 98
may include a second step 104 positioned adjacent to the front side
86 of the tray 18a. The step 104 may create a ledge 66 upon which
the lid assembly 14 rests when the cosmetic container 10 is in the
closed configuration. The lid assembly 14 may rest on the ledge 66
in a manner which creates a generally planar surface. For example,
as shown in FIG. 9, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
illustrative cosmetic container 10 taken at line 9-9 of FIG. 1, the
lid assembly 14 may include a front edge 106 which is configured to
mate against the ledge 66 and the step 104 of the tray 18. The lid
assembly 14 thus holds the trays in place when closed as the lid
assembly 14 rests against the ledge 66. For example, the lid
assemblies 14, 16 in combination with the base assembly 12 may
limit or prevent side to side (e.g., left to right) front to back,
and/or top to bottom movement of the trays 18, 22 when the lid
assemblies 14, 16 are in the closed configuration.
[0054] While the tray 18a is illustrated as including two magnets
96, it is contemplated that the tray 18a may be provided with fewer
than two or more than two magnets 96 desired. For example, a single
magnet 96 may be provided to engage one or more magnets 94 in the
wall 62. Further, for a tray configured to span a length equivalent
to two or more trays as illustrated, the tray 18, 22 may include
four or more magnets 96. It should be understood that the length of
the trays 18, 22 is not limited to whole integers (e.g., 1, 2, 3,
etc.) of the illustrated trays 18, 22. Other trays may have a
length which include fractions of the illustrated trays (e.g. 0.5,
1.75, 2.5, etc.). While not explicitly shown the tray 18a may
include channels, grooves, rails, or other features configured to
engage a mating feature on an adjacent tray.
[0055] While the illustrative example in FIGS. 1-9 shows two sets
of trays and lids on opposing sides of the bridge 30, it is also
contemplated that a single sided embodiment may be used instead.
For such an embodiment, the device would essentially be provided as
one-half of that shown. Thus, the first lid 14 would be provided
along with the first trays 18, while second trays 22 and second lid
16 would be omitted. Referring, for example, to FIG. 9, the right
half of the device as shown would be entirely omitted. The bridge
and first wall of the wall 62 could then be replaced with a back
wall for the overall device. Such a back wall would then include
the magnets 94 either on a surface thereof or embedded therein.
[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may
be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the
appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent
variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.
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