Custom compact cosmetic case with makeup pans and brushes

Abstract

A cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section. At least one hinge connects the lid section to the bottom section. At least a first panel is attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section. The first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section. Each panel has a front surface which faces up towards the lid section and a back surface which faces down towards the bottom section. At least part of the front surface is comprised of a magnetic material. The cosmetic case has a plurality of fastening devices on an inside of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

Description

This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,537, filed Aug. 31, 2009 and entitled “Custom Compact Cosmetic Case With Makeup Pans and Brushes”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to compact cosmetic cases. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact cosmetic case with user selected makeup pans and brushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exist many purse size cosmetic cases, most of which are pre-filled with an assortment of eyeshadows or lipsticks. Some have a mixture of makeup for the face, cheeks and eyes in coordinated color sets. A few high end cosmetic companies offer makeup cases that allow the purchaser to choose shades of products (from lipstick to eyeshadow) to fill their proprietary case. However, none of these systems allows a purchaser to include all of her cosmetics in a small cosmetic case. Furthermore, the locations of the different cosmetic products in the cosmetic case are mostly selected by the cosmetic companies selling the cosmetic case. The end user does not have the choice of rearranging the locations of cosmetics based on their own personal preferences.

Thus, there is a need for a customized cosmetic case which overcomes the problems cited above by allowing each individual user to select the type and location of cosmetics in the cosmetic case while also allowing the user to include cosmetic accessories and non-cosmetic related items inside the cosmetic case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a compact cosmetic case which holds full size makeup and applicators for complete makeup application wherein the case, makeup, applicators and accessories are sold separately for complete customization by the purchaser.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a front surface which faces up towards the lid section and a back surface which faces down towards the bottom section, wherein at least part of the front surface is comprised of a magnetic material; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one rail system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the rail system from one end of each panel; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one slot system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the slot system from one end of each panel; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1(a)-(c) illustrate several views of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an open cosmetic case with the hinged panels in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5(a)-(c) illustrate several views of cosmetic pans according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates cosmetic pans with labels according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a elastic glove or pouch on the bottom of the cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an empty cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an open cosmetic case with fasteners for accessories according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a hinged panel with a rail system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates cosmetic pans being loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates cosmetic pans loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cosmetic pan with slots according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cosmetic pan with slots loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a hinged panel with a multiple rail system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates cosmetic pans loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a hinged panel with a slot system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 25(a)-(c) illustrate several views of a cosmetic pan with rails according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a cosmetic pan with rails loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates a hinged panel with a multiple slot system according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 28 illustrates cosmetic pans with rails loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case which can be customized to include cosmetics selected by the user and include cosmetic accessories and other non-cosmetic related items will now be described. The invention describes a cosmetic case 10 that is sold “empty” so that it can be filled with makeup sold in individual pans 50, as well as brushes and accessories designed to fit into the bottom of the case. While it may appear to be similar to other refillable cosmetic cases, it is unique in many ways. The case and contents to fill it are comprehensive, meaning almost all products that a woman carries in her cosmetic bag are included—color makeup, brushes, mascara, mirror, and pencils have been designed to fit neatly in the small footprint cosmetic case. Other cosmetic companies offer pre-packaged makeup assortments in one compact, but few offer the case with a full line of all the makeup and appliances a woman uses in a single compact.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1(a)-(c), the cosmetic case 10 has an external shell 12. The external shell 12 can be constructed out of plastic, metal, etc., and can be covered by various materials, i.e., leather, animal skin, plastic, rubber, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 11, and the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the external shell 12 can have various sizes and shapes, i.e., rectangular, circular, etc., and the invention is not limited thereto.

The external shell 12 has a lid section 14 and a bottom section 16. The lid section 14 and the bottom section 16 are connected along one edge via at least one hinge 18. The hinge 18 can be either a mechanical hinge, for example, an external hinge or an internal hinge, or a non-mechanical hinge, for example, a living hinge, and the invention is not limited thereto. The lid section 14 and the bottom section 16 have substantially the same length and width but can have different depths. For example, the bottom section 16 can have a greater depth so as to provide more storage space for cosmetic accessories as will be explained below in more detail. The external shell can be held in a closed position wherein the lid section 14 is touching the bottom section 16 via tension in the hinge 18 and/or a clasp mechanism 20 but the invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cosmetic case 10 in an open position. A mirror 22 can be attached to the inside surface of the lid section 14. The mirror 22 can be a lighted mirror with various light sources 24. The light sources 24 can either be turned on manually via switch 26 or automatically when the cosmetic case 10 is opened and the invention is not limited thereto. The lid section 14 with the mirror on the inside can swivel using resistance hinging so that it remains open in any position, similar to the screen of a laptop computer. Additionally, the mirror may swing as much as 360° so that a woman can completely tuck it under the case if she's in front of a large mirror and chooses to apply her makeup without using the mirror provided with the case.

According to one embodiment of the invention, two panels 28 are attached to edges of the bottom section 16 via a plurality of hinges 30. The hinges can be either mechanical or non-mechanical hinges and the invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the panels 28 are attached to edges of the bottom section which are perpendicular to the edge containing the hinge 18 but the invention is not limited thereto. Each hinge 28 covers approximately half of the bottom section when the hinge is in a closed position. Alternatively, any number of panels 28 can be attached to the bottom section 16. For example, a single panel which covers the entire bottom section 16 can be used instead of the illustrated two panel system. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each panel 28 has a raised edge 32 to which the hinges 30 are attached. In addition, the panel 28 has a front surface 34 and a back surface 36. At least part and preferably almost all of the front surface 34 is covered with a magnetic material 38. In addition, the back surface 36 can also be partially or substantially covered with the magnetic material 38 although the invention is not limited thereto. According to an alternative embodiment, the front 34 and back 36 surfaces of the panel 28 can be constructed out of metal, wherein magnets embedded in cosmetic pans will stick to the panel 28 as described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hinged panels 28 can swing out to reveal the interior section 40 of the bottom section 16. As noted above, the bottom section 16 has a depth that is great enough to allow for cosmetic accessories such as brushes, pencils, mascara, cotton swabs, etc., to be stored in the bottom section 16 even when the panels 28 are in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of attachment devices 42, for example, C-shaped clips or fasteners can be located on the inside surface of the bottom section 16 for securing the cosmetic accessories in place although the invention is not limited thereto.

As noted above, the cosmetic case 10 has a clasp mechanism 20 for holding the lid section and the bottom section together when the cosmetic case 10 is closed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the clasp mechanism 20 comprises an elongated prong 44 located on the lid section 14 which fits into a locking mechanism 46 in the bottom section 16. A push button 48 releases the prong 44 from the locking mechanism 46 when depressed although the invention is not limited thereto.

The compact is easily held in one hand so that makeup can be applied with the other hand. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the design of the bottom of the case will allow the fully opened compact to be supported in one hand by inserting the palm into an opening 122 of some sort of glove or pouch 120, made of any material such as cloth, leather, elastic, plastic, etc., on the exterior of the case that keeps it from falling out of the hand while pressure is being applied to the case to remove brushes or load the brush with makeup. This pouch 120 also allows a woman to tuck other small items into the exterior of the case for easy access.

According to one embodiment of the invention, pans 50 constructed at least partially out of metal are filled with different types of cosmetics can be secured to the hinged panels 28 by the magnetic material's attraction to the metal in the pans. According to another embodiment of the invention, the pans 50 may also have a magnet incorporated into the pans, which is attracted to either the magnetic material 38 or the metal surfaces of the panel 28. It will be understood that the metal pans 50 can be constructed out of various metals so long as the metals react to magnetic forces and the metal pans 50 can have different shapes and sizes so long as the metal pans 50 are not too large to interfere with the opening and closing of the hinged panels 28 and the opening and closing of the cosmetic case 10. FIGS. 5 (a)-(c) illustrate several views of metal pans 50 which can be used with the inventive cosmetic case 10 although the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the metal pans 50 may also have labels 52 so as to identify the cosmetic in the metal pan 50 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In addition, one or more of the metal pans 50 may be empty and have a cover which opens and closes. These metal pans allow a user to store various items, for example, pills, dental floss, mints, contact lens case, etc., inside the cosmetic case 10. As noted above, the user can arrange their cosmetics in the plurality of metal pans in any combination and grouping on the magnetic surfaces of the hinged panels 28 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

According to another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the hinged panel 28 may a moveable protective cover 60, for example, clear plastic, attached in such a way so as to protect the cosmetics in the metal pans 50. In addition, the bottom section 16 may have a moveable protective cover to protect cosmetic accessories stored in the bottom section 16. For example, the moveable cover 60 can be a sheet of plastic which is attached via hinges to one end of the hinged panels 28 or the bottom section 16 as illustrated in FIG. 8, or attached to a roller so that the cover 60 can be rolled in or out like a shade as illustrated in FIG. 9.

As noted above, the inventive cosmetic case 10 may have different designs. FIGS. 10-16 illustrate a cosmetic case 110 which has a different design from the cosmetic case 10 while maintain many of the key features of the cosmetic case 10. For the sake of brevity like features have been given the same reference numeral and their function and operation will not be repeated. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the lid section 14 closes onto the hinged panels 28 rather than the bottom section 16.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the hinged panels 28 may have a different design which does not use magnetic material to hold the cosmetic pans in place. In this embodiment, all of the components of the cosmetic case 10 are the same as described above with the exception of the hinged panels. In this embodiment, the hinged panels 128 have a unique rail system 150 for holding the cosmetic pans 50 in place. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the rail system 150 in each panel 128 allows pans of any material, for example, plastic, metal, tin, etc., to be inserted into the hinged panels 128 as long as the pans dimensionally fit the width and length of the rail system 150. The cosmetic pans 50 are inserted into the hinged panels 128 by sliding them onto the rail system 150 from one end of the hinged panel 128 as illustrated in FIG. 18. The cosmetic pans 50 are geld in place by a stop at one end of the hinged panel 128 and/or by friction. In this embodiment, a single layer of cosmetic pans 50 can be loaded into the rail system 150 or two layers of the cosmetic pans 50 can be loaded into the rail system 150 as illustrated in FIG. 19. Furthermore cosmetic cases with grooves 160, as illustrated in FIG. 20, which correspond to the rail system 150 can be used and loaded into the rail system 150 as illustrated in FIG. 21. In addition, there can be multiple layers of rails in each panel 128 as illustrated in FIGS. 22-23.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the hinged panels 128 may have a slot system 200 instead of the rail system 150. In this embodiment, the hinged panels 128 have the slot system 200, as illustrated in FIG. 24. The slot system 200 receives cosmetic pans 202 of any type material which have rails 204 which correspond to the slot system 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 25(a)-(c). The cosmetic pans 202 are loaded into the hinged panels 128 from one end and are held in place via friction as illustrated in FIG. 26. As an alternative, the hinged panels 128 can have a multiple slot system 210 for storing a plurality of levels of cosmetic pans 202 as illustrated in FIGS. 27-28.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cosmetic case, comprising:

an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section;

at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section;

at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a front surface which faces up towards the lid section and a back surface which faces down towards the bottom section, wherein at least part of the front surface is comprised of a magnetic material; and

a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

2. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, further comprising: a clasp mechanism on the lid and bottom sections for securely closing and opening the cosmetic case.

3. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein a mirror is mounted on an inside surface of the lid section.

4. The cosmetic case according to claim 3, wherein the mirror has at least one light source which is activated when the cosmetic case is opened.

5. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material on each panel holds pans of cosmetics securely in place.

6. The cosmetic case according to claim 5, wherein each pan of cosmetics is at least partially constructed out of metal.

7. The cosmetic case according to claim 5, wherein each pan of cosmetics is at least partially constructed out of a magnetic material.

8. The cosmetic case according to claim 5, wherein each pan contains a magnet.

9. The cosmetic case according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the pans is empty and has a moveable cover.

10. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein the fastening devices are C-shaped clips.

11. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein said cosmetic accessories are at least one of brushes used for applying cosmetic products, pencils, mascara, cotton swabs.

12. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of said back section of each panel is comprised of a magnetic material.

13. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein two panels are attached to opposite edges of the bottom section.

14. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein the back surface of each panel has a moveable protective cover.

15. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein the front surface of each panel has a moveable protective cover.

16. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, further comprising: a moveable protective cover attached to the bottom section of the cosmetic case to protect stored cosmetic accessories.

17. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein said front surface is comprised of metal.

18. The cosmetic case according to claim 1, wherein said back surface is comprised of metal.

19. A cosmetic case, comprising:

an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section;

at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section;

at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one rail system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the rail system from one end of each panel;

a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.

20. A cosmetic case, comprising:

an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section;

at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section;

at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one slot system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the slot system from one end of each panel;

a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories.