Interchangeably Customizable Cosmetic Device

Abstract

A cosmetic holder or case having a base with receptacles for cosmetics and a cover connected in a hinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover to alternately reveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housed cosmetic product. The interior of the cover may include a mirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product. The holder is combined with a set of adornment features such as sets of decals having different theme or pattern to allow consumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select a base color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornment elements in a personalized and unique manner. The cover includes a removable transparent panel that 1) allows the user to apply the selected set of adornment features and/or to include other personalized items and 2) protects the adornment features from damage during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/983,187, entitled INTERCHANGEABLY CUSTOMIZABLE COSMETIC DEVICE, filed Feb. 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein in the entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present application relates to the design of a class of beauty and cosmetic products that facilitates personalization. In addition, the invention relates to cosmetic product systems adapted for accessing cosmetic product stored in containers commonly carried in a purse, bag, backpack or other personal carry bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Beauty products are often showcased or otherwise displayed; consumers post photos of shelves and medicine cabinets stocked with beauty products on Instagram, they leave products within view on vanities, and they carry products around in purses and backpacks. While most beauty products, including eye palettes, lip products, face products such as bronzer and contour, and skincare, are designed to be beautiful, they are also impersonal. They are packaged or adorned with standardized branding and a set decorative color patterned to complement the brand logo and other source identifiers. Customers lack the ability to customize or select the adornment associated with the highly personal cosmetic product purchased by them.

[0004] What is needed is a product that provides for a customizable decorative appearance while providing a user accessible cosmetic product holder in a compact, mobile housing for containing the product to avoid undesired and unintended spillage for an improved customer experience.

[0005] What is needed is a product that can deliver an elevated consumer experience while providing effective packaging and functional advantages in presenting and facilitating user access and use of cosmetic product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a product capable of personalized adornment and replaceable adornment and a means for permitting access to facilitate application and removal or replacement of adornment elements.

[0007] The present invention may be applied to a wide range of beauty or cosmetic products. In one embodiment the present invention comprises a cosmetic or make-up holder or case, for example in the form of a palette, having a base or main housing with one or more receptacles for cosmetic or make-up product, e.g., blush, foundation, concealer, powder, eye shadow, highlighter, contour, etc. The receptacle(s) may or may not be removable. The holder or case includes a base and a cover connected in a hinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover to alternately reveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housed cosmetic product. In one embodiment, the cover remains securely in place when not in use and can be opened by the consumer during normal use and closed for storage when not in use. The interior of the cover may include a mirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product and the holder may optionally include a separate brush and brush receptacle or other application implement.

[0008] The invention provides a physical cosmetic receptacle or holder combined with a set of adornment features. For example the customizable cosmetic holder may be provided or coupled with one or more sets of decals or sticker adornment sets having different theme or pattern to allow consumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select a base color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornment elements, e.g., stickers or decals, in a highly personalized and unique manner desired by the user. The cover includes a removable transparent panel that allows the user to apply the set of adornment features and/or to include other personalized items, e.g., photos, non-provided stickers. The slidable transparent panel allows the adornment to be added when it is removed and when it is in place, it protects the adornment from damage during normal use and transport. In one manner the cover is held in place by a retention mechanism, e.g., a latch, mating protrusion and recess in the base and cover, a magnet, and is allowed to rotate about a hinge. For example, a pin and pin receiving hole or opening, a notch, a protrusion and mating recess.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a customizable cosmetics case comprising: a palette base comprising a set of individual compartments for storing therein a set of cosmetic products; a cover having an outer surface and an inner surface, the cover adapted to be rotatably connected to the palette base along one side of the palette base; a transparent outer panel adapted to be removably disposed on the outer surface of the cover; a set of decorative elements selectable by a user and placeable by the user in a custom arrangement on the outer surface of the cover; a hinge arrangement operatively connecting the cover to the palette base and allowing the cover to be rotated from a closed position to an open position; and a reflective panel disposed intermediate the palette base and the cover and being concealed to a user with the cover in a closed position and revealed to the user with the cover in an open position; whereby one or more decorative elements selected by a user and placed on the outer surface of the cover are viewable through and protected by the transparent outer panel; whereby with the cover in a closed position the contents of the palette base are enclosed and protected from inadvertent contact or spillage.

[0010] The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be further characterized in one or more of the following manners: wherein the hinge arrangement includes a pair of hinge components operatively connecting the cover to the palette base; wherein the palette base comprises a palette having a set of cosmetic product receptacles, a bottom cover, and a first hinge component, and the cover comprises a second hinge component configured to cooperate with the first hinge component to provide for rotation of the cover about an axis parallel with a back edge of the cover and a back edge of the palette base; wherein a back portion of the cover and a back portion of the palette base come into contact to provide a stop or limit to the rotational movement of the cover about the axis and thereby define a fully open position; further comprising a set of channels disposed along the sides of the cover to receive the transparent panel and a set of locking features to semi-permanently affix the transparent panel in place on the cover and over the outer surface of the cover; wherein the reflective panel is affixed to an interior surface of the cover; wherein the palette base includes a set of removable cosmetic product receptacles, whereby a user may remove the set of removable cosmetic product receptacles and insert a replacement set of cosmetic product receptacles; and further comprising a cover retention mechanism configured to retain the cover in a closed position to prevent undesired rotation of the cover about the hinge.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for selecting and assembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment components to arrive at an interchangeably customizable cosmetic case, the method comprising: presenting a user with a plurality of sets of decorative items for selection by the user; selecting, by the user, a set of decorative items from the plurality of sets of decorative items, the selected set of decorative items for use in decorating a customizable cosmetic product, the customizable cosmetic product having a removable transparent panel and a display area for receiving selected sets of decorative items for display; receiving, by the user, the selected set of decorative or adornment items; removing, by the user, the transparent panel to render accessible the display area; and placing, by the user, in a custom manner decorative items from the selected set of decorative items on the display area and returning the removed transparent panel to the cover over the display area and securing the transparent panel to the cover using a locking means provided on the customizable cosmetic product.

[0012] The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be further characterized in one or more of the following manners: further comprising: establishing, by a user operating a remote device, a connection with a central server operated by a cosmetic provider; presenting, by the central server, a user interface configured to enable the user to view and select from the plurality of sets of decorative items; further comprising: at a time subsequent to an initial placement of decorative items, removing, by the user, the transparent panel and selectively changing, adding, and/or removing decorative items on the display surface and replacing the transparent panel thereby altering the appearance of the customizable cosmetics product; and further comprising placing, by a user, a set of personal items on the display surface to personalize the customizable cosmetic product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention but are intended to be exemplary and for reference.

[0014] FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of the components comprising a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a series of views of a transparent panel or drawer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a series of views of a main cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a series of views of a reflective panel or mirror according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a series of views of a base or palette according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a series of views of a bottom panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case or holder and an unassembled base component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a series of views of a partial assembly comprising the cover and transparent panel in opened and closed positions and retention mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case or holder with cover in open and closed positions and decorative elements applied according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a series of views of a system comprising a set of decorative or adornment elements for use in configuring a customized cosmetic case illustrating decorative elements applied to a cover along with a complementary cosmetic product set including a set of application implements and other cosmetics having a common decorative theme according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a method for providing and assembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment components to arrive at an interchangeably customizable cosmetic case according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 12 provides an exploded perspective view of the components comprising a second embodiment customizable cosmetic case of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 13 provides a cross-sectional view of an assembled customizable cosmetic case of the second embodiment of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Those possessing ordinary skill in the art and having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other applications for use of the invention, which are fully contemplated herein as within the scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein, and with respect to which the present invention could be of significant utility. Also, although dimensions are provided in the various drawings, the invention is not limited to the particular dimensions. However, to accomplish the functionality described hereinbelow, certain relationships may be described as necessary to align mating components of the various components for purposes of retention, closing, latching, sliding engagement, and other purposes.

[0028] With reference now to FIG. 1, interchangeably customizable case 100 is shown in an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. Case 100 comprises a transparent top panel or outer cover 200, a rotatable cover 300, a reflective panel or mirror 400, a base or palette 500, and a bottom 600. Each of these exemplary components is described in detail below.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 2 a transparent panel or drawer 200 is shown in a series of views. The panel 200 is configured to be slidingly received in and retained by oppositely facing channels 308 along the sides of main cover 300, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a series or plurality of notches 202 are provided along the sides of the transparent panel 200 and are located to mate with a complementary series or plurality of protrusions 302 formed or provided along the sides of the main cover 300 channels. Detail A provides an enlarged view of the notches 202.

[0030] With reference now to FIG. 3 a main cover 300 is shown in a series of views. Main cover 300 includes longitudinal recesses 308 along each side to permit sliding engagement and partial retention of transparent panel 200. Protrusions 302 are provided, in this case four but there may be any suitable arrangement, to mate with notches 202 in panel 200 so as to provide gentle stops as the panel 200 is slid so as to open or reveal the otherwise concealed top of cover 300 or slid so as to close the top of the cover 300 to prevent unintended damage to the items placed on the top of the cover 300. A key point of the invention is to allow a user to remove the transparent panel 200 from the case or at least slide the panel some distance so as to permit access to the area defined on the top of the main cover 300. In this manner the invention allows a user to apply or place or paste or glue or tape items of adornment or decoration for personalization of the case 100. As shown, a combination of text-based decals or stickers 310 and/or image or artwork decals or sticker 312 may be applied to the top of the main cover 300 in a customized or personalized manner so as to create a branded, personalized or unique appearance on the case 100. In one manner, the invention allows a user to select from a set of themed adornment sets, e.g., a celebrity or influencer-inspired theme, and to apply the adornment elements in locations on the top of the main cover 300 as desired. Further, the themed case 100 may include a partially pre-populated or adorned main cover and the user may add to or supplement the adornment package. The adornment elements may be removable to permit a user to change the look or appearance of the case 100 as desired. The user may also place home-made or personal content in the area at the top of the cover, e.g., photos, stickers or other items not included with the adornment set. Moreover, the provider of the case 100 may set up an online or other customer interface to permit a user to select adornment items to make a customized set or to upload photos or text or preferred color-theme or other features of interest to create their own custom adornment pack which is then prepared for application and sent to the user along with the case 100 and/of other elements such as described below in connection with FIG. 10.

[0031] As mentioned, the main cover 300 is preferably rotatably mounted on base or palette 400 and as shown includes a longitudinal arm 304 running substantially along the length of one side to the main cover for mating engagement with portions of base 500 to permit opening of the cover and to perform one or more of: preventing over-rotation, supporting the main cover in an open position, and retain the cover in place when closed. One or more magnets or other retention mechanisms may include along arm 304 and/or portions of base 500 to hold or permit retention of the cover in a desired position and to prevent unintended closing or flapping. Main cover 300 includes a recess or cavity 306 for receiving mirror or reflective panel 400. A rotation pin or protuberance for receiving within a mating hole or recess on one or both of main cover 300 and base 500 are exemplary means for rotating the cover between open and closed positions. When the main cover 300 is rotatably opened to reveal the cosmetic product contained in the base or palette 500, the mirror is accessible for use by the user to aid in applying the cosmetic product or otherwise.

[0032] With reference now to FIG. 4 a reflective panel or mirror is shown in a series of views with exemplary dimensions. The dimensions of the mirror or panel 400 must match the dimensions of the recess or cavity 306 in the bottom of main cover 300. The mirror or panel may be secured in place by mechanical means or by adhesion such as glue or tape. The mirror may be made to be removed from the cover 300.

[0033] With reference now to FIG. 5 a base or palette is shown in a series of views and includes a matrix or array of depressions or cells 502 in which cosmetic property is place. A raised portion 504 provides an area for decorative branding or other marking and may be included as part of the overall decorative theme in that a user may select from a variety of colors or text or other indicia included in portion 504. Next to raised portion 504 is a lower or depressed portion 508 that substantially extends the length of the body of base 500. On one side of the base 500 is a recess or void 506 that corresponds to the dimensions of arm 304 of main cover 300. A mating hinge structure is provided at the ends 514 of the recess 506 formed respectively on extended portions 510 and 512 of base 500 to align with hinge counterparts 314 to form a hinge for securing the main cover 300 to the base and allowing a user to rotate the main cover relative to the housing at those fixed points and along the back side of the case 100 when in use. When closed, the main cover 300 is configured to cover and conceal and protect the cosmetic items deposited in cells 502 on the top of base 500. In this manner the cover prevents spillage and prevents damage to the contents of the case 100. When open the cover reveals the mirror for use in applying the make-up or other cosmetic product stored in base 500.

[0034] With reference now to FIG. 6 is a series of views of a bottom panel attached to the bottom of the base 500. Of course, the bottom of base 500 may included a molded bottom rather than a separate component piece and other components may be integral to the case body without detracting from the purposes of the present invention.

[0035] With reference now to FIG. 7 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case or holder and an unassembled base component according to a first embodiment of the present invention as described herein. As shown text decals 310 and image or artwork decals 312 are applied to the top surface of the main cover 300 for viewing.

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 8 is a series of views of a partial assembly comprising the cover and transparent panel in opened and closed positions and retention mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown the transparent panel 200 is slidable in bi-direction 804 between closed and open positions. As shown in configuration marked with reference 802, the transparent panel 200 is removed or slid to the side to allow access to the top or exposed surface of main cover 300 a user may apply in a customizable fashion the various decals 310 and 312 or other items of interest. Once completed, as shown in configuration marked with reference 806, the user may return the transparent panel to a closed position to prevent unwanted damage to the items applied to the top surface of the main cover. As shown in Detail F, in a closed position protrusions or protuberances 302 of the main cover 300 are received into notches 202 of the transparent panel to provide a secure engagement of the panel 200 with the cover 300. Although the base/panel subassembly is shown having four notch/protrusion mating pairs this is not limiting to the invention. One such pair is all that is needed to semi-secure the panel with the cover. A second notch/protrusion pair is used to semi-limit sliding disengagement of the panel to provide a stop, which may be overcome with additional force to completely remove the panel from the subassembly (or the case 100 once completely assembled). Additional stops or notch/protrusion pairs may be added for redundancy or for partial access to the top surface of the cover 300.

[0037] In one manner, the present invention allows a user to access an online service, such as a consumer-facing web portal of a cosmetics company, to enable online selection of decorative elements or sets of elements. These decorative elements may be related to an influencer, a model, an acting personality or other person of broad interest. For example, the various facilities and user interfaces disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/388,424, entitled SYSTEM, METHOD AND USER INTERFACES AND DATA STRUCTURES IN A CROSS-PLATFORM FACILITY FOR PROVIDING CONTENT GENERATION TOOLS AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCE (Holtzman), filed Apr. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in the entirety. These user interfaces may be used in connection with the method and flow described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 11.

[0038] With reference now to FIG. 9 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case or holder with cover in open position 902 and closed position 904 relative to base 300 and decorative elements applied according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] With reference now to FIG. 10 is a series of views of a system 1000 comprising a case or palette 100, a set of other cosmetic utensils or products 102 and a set 104 of decorative or adornment elements 310/312 for use in configuring a customized cosmetic case 100. As shown a user selects decorative elements 310/312 and applies them in a customized fashion to a cover 300 of the case 100. In this manner a complementary cosmetic product set 1000 provides a customizable cosmetic product set 1000 having a common decorative or color scheme or theme selectable by a user. The set of decorative elements may also be used to decorate or customize one or more items from the set of other utensils or products 102. In this manner the system 1000 allows users to create their own unique cosmetic set based on a common but selectable and customizable theme.

[0040] With reference now to FIG. 11 is a method for selecting, providing and assembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment components to arrive at an interchangeably customizable cosmetic case according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Although the method is described in connection with a user operated remote computing device connecting with a central server of a cosmetic product provider, this is merely one example of the initial selection and ordering process that may be used in connection with the present invention. It is understood that other forms of initial selection, such as user visiting a bricks-and-mortar store, a pop-up store, a kiosk (mall physical kiosk or computer-based kiosk) may be used and is fully contemplated by the present invention.

[0041] At step 1102, in this optional example, a user establishes one or more connections with a central server operated by a cosmetic provider via a remote device, e.g., a computer or mobile phone, operated by the consumer. At step 1104, the central server, e.g., a web server operating via a mobile application running on a user mobile device such as a smart phone, presents via a user interface a set of selectable decorative themes for use by the user in customizing a set of cosmetic products. At step 1106, the user selects a theme and/or set of decorative or adornment items and a set of cosmetic products. At step 1108, the user receives, e.g., via mail or other delivery methods or store pick-up, the selected set of decorative or adornment items for applying the items in a custom fashion to received cosmetic products. At step 1110, the user applies the selected and received decorative or adornment elements (as well as other personal items selected by the user) by removing (in whole or part) a transparent panel from a cosmetic case to gain access to a surface on which to place decorative elements. At step 1112, the user places the decorative elements in a custom manner on the surface of the cover and replaces the transparent panel to a closed position. At step 1114, subsequent to an initial placement of decorative items, a user may alter the appearance of the cosmetic case or product by removing the transparent panel and selectively changing, adding, removing decorative items on the cover surface and replacing the transparent panel to a closed position.

[0042] In one combination the components described above provide a cosmetic or make-up holder or case, for example in the form of a palette, having a base or main housing with one or more receptacles for cosmetic or make-up product, e.g., blush, foundation, concealer, powder, eye shadow, highlighter, contour, etc. The receptacle(s) may or may not be removable. The holder or case includes a base and a cover connected in a hinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover to alternately reveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housed cosmetic product. In one embodiment, the cover remains securely in place when not in use and can be opened by the consumer during normal use and closed for storage when not in use. The interior of the cover may include a mirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product and the holder may optionally include a separate brush and brush receptacle or other application implement.

[0043] The invention provides a physical cosmetic receptacle or holder combined with a set of adornment features. For example the customizable cosmetic holder may be provided or coupled with one or more sets of decals or sticker adornment sets having different theme or pattern to allow consumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select a base color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornment elements, e.g., stickers or decals, in a highly personalized and unique manner desired by the user. The cover includes a removable transparent panel that allows the user to apply the set of adornment features and/or to include other personalized items, e.g., photos, non-provided stickers. In one manner the cover is held in place by a retention mechanism, e.g., a latch, mating protrusion and recess in the base and cover, a magnet, and is allowed to rotate about a hinge. For example, a pin and pin receiving hole or opening, a notch, a protrusion and mating recess.

[0044] With reference now to FIG. 12, a second exemplary embodiment of an interchangeably customizable case 100 is shown in an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. Case 100 comprises a transparent top panel or outer cover 200, a two-piece rotatable cover 300 (primary portion 340 and secondary portion 350), a reflective panel or mirror 400, a base or palette 500, and a bottom 600. Each of these exemplary components is described in detail below. As shown, primary cover portion 340 includes an elongated slot or channel 335 or pair of channels 335 on either side of the cover 340 adapted to receive a shoulder or ridge or protrusion or tabs or set of dogs 235 formed along one or both sides of the cover 200. In this manner, cover 200 is slidingly received within the channel(s) 335 and once in place held in place by operation of the fit between tabs 235 and receiving channel(s) 335. Of course, the opposite arrangement of components 235/335 as that described may be used to accomplish the same goal of slidingly fixing the top panel or outer cover 200 to the rotatable cover 300.

[0045] Cover 200 may be transparent as described herein above to permit a user to see decorative elements included or placed on the surface 352 of cover 300. Alternatively, cover 200 may be removable and replaced with a different cover having a set of decorative elements. In this manner, the customizable case provides further ways to alter, change and customize the case product. The cover includes a set of channels disposed along the sides of the cover to receive the transparent panel and a set of locking features to semi-permanently affix the transparent panel in place on the cover and over the outer surface of the cover. Semi-permanently means the panel may be intentionally removed to expose the outer surface of the cover but is held in place securely during normal use and so as to prevent unwanted dislodging and damage or loss.

[0046] Reflective panel or mirror 400 is configured to be received within a cavity or on a surface of secondary cover portion 350. In the example shown, the secondary cover portion 350 includes openings 370 into which may be received fixation members 360 for securing reflective panel 400 in place once positioned within or on the secondary cover portion 350. Alternatively, plasticly deformable elements may be provided to permit the mirror or reflective component to be "snapped" in place to form a subassembly with cover 300 and outer panel or top cover 200. Alternatively, reflective panel or mirror 400 may be affixed to secondary cover portion 350 by adhesive means and materials. Reflective panel or mirror 400 has at least one side having a reflective surface portion revealed to a user with rotatable cover 300 in an open position.

[0047] Cover portions 340 and 350 are configured with dimensions so that secondary cover portion 350 is received at least partially within primary cover portion 340. In the example shown, secondary cover portion 360 includes a hinge feature 390 for instance disposed at both ends of the back edge of the secondary cover portion and located to cooperate with complimentary hinge features 392 provided along the back edge of primary cover portion 340. Bottom cover 600 is attached to the base or palette 500, e.g., such as by adhesive or other connecting panel 620 and/or in combination with plastically deformable components formed in the various cover and base pieces. Bottom cover 600 is provided with complimentary hinge features 640 for instance at opposite ends of the back edge of the bottom cover as shown. Pins 380 or the like are provided and inserted into receiving channels or bores formed in one or both of the sets of hinge features 390 and/or 392 and hinge features 640 fix the cover 300 to the base or palette 500 by way of bottom cover 600. In this manner cover 300 is allowed to rotate from open and closed positions providing a pivoting or hinging of the cover 300.

[0048] FIG. 13 presents a cross-section view of the customizable case 100 of FIG. 12 in an unexploded, assembled state with cover or lid 300 (340/350) in a closed position. The features as described above with reference to FIG. 12 are shown in cross-section for illustration.

[0049] While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described. Also, the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. It is fully contemplated that other various embodiments of and modifications to the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims. Further, although the present invention has been described herein in the context of particular embodiments and implementations and applications and in particular environments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention can be beneficially applied in any number of ways and environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A customizable cosmetics case comprising: a palette base comprising a set of individual compartments for storing therein a set of cosmetic products; a cover having an outer surface and an inner surface, the cover adapted to be rotatably connected to the palette base along one side of the palette base; a transparent outer panel adapted to be removably disposed on the outer surface of the cover; a set of decorative elements selectable by a user and placeable by the user in a custom arrangement on the outer surface of the cover; a hinge arrangement operatively connecting the cover to the palette base and allowing the cover to be rotated from a closed position to an open position; and a reflective panel disposed intermediate the palette base and the cover and being concealed to a user with the cover in a closed position and revealed to the user with the cover in an open position; whereby one or more decorative elements selected by a user and placed on the outer surface of the cover are viewable through and protected by the transparent outer panel; whereby with the cover in a closed position the contents of the palette base are enclosed and protected from inadvertent contact or spillage.

2. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein the hinge arrangement includes a pair of hinge components operatively connecting the cover to the palette base.

3. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein the palette base comprises a palette having a set of cosmetic product receptacles, a bottom cover, and a first hinge component, and the cover comprises a second hinge component configured to cooperate with the first hinge component to provide for rotation of the cover about an axis parallel with a back edge of the cover and a back edge of the palette base.

4. The customizable case of claim 3, wherein a back portion of the cover and a back portion of the palette base come into contact to provide a stop or limit to the rotational movement of the cover about the axis and thereby define a fully open position.

5. The customizable case of claim 1 further comprising a set of channels disposed along the sides of the cover to receive the transparent panel and a set of locking features to semi-permanently affix the transparent panel in place on the cover and over the outer surface of the cover.

6. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein the reflective panel is affixed to an interior surface of the cover.

7. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein the palette base includes a set of removable cosmetic product receptacles, whereby a user may remove the set of removable cosmetic product receptacles and insert a replacement set of cosmetic product receptacles.

8. The customizable case of claim 1, further comprising a cover retention mechanism configured to retain the cover in a closed position to prevent undesired rotation of the cover about the hinge.

9. A method for selecting and assembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment components to arrive at an interchangeably customizable cosmetic case, the method comprising: presenting a user with a plurality of sets of decorative items for selection by the user; selecting, by the user, a set of decorative items from the plurality of sets of decorative items, the selected set of decorative items for use in decorating a customizable cosmetic product, the customizable cosmetic product having a removable transparent panel and a display area for receiving selected sets of decorative items for display; receiving, by the user, the selected set of decorative or adornment items; removing, by the user, the transparent panel to render accessible the display area; placing, by the user, in a custom manner decorative items from the selected set of decorative items on the display area and returning the removed transparent panel to the cover over the display area and securing the transparent panel to the cover using a locking means provided on the customizable cosmetic product;

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: establishing, by a user operating a remote device, a connection with a central server operated by a cosmetic provider; presenting, by the central server, a user interface configured to enable the user to view and select from the plurality of sets of decorative items.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: at a time subsequent to an initial placement of decorative items, removing, by the user, the transparent panel and selectively changing, adding, and/or removing decorative items on the display surface and replacing the transparent panel thereby altering the appearance of the customizable cosmetics product.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising placing, by a user, a set of personal items on the display surface to personalize the customizable cosmetic product.