Sliding Top Container

Abstract

A small, portable container with a sliding top. The container may be a compact for holding cosmetics. The container has a base that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator, a lid constructed and adapted to slide relative to the base, and a slide mechanism anchored to the base and slidingly engaged with the lid.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/315,123 filed on Mar. 18, 2010.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a container such as a compact with a sliding top.

BACKGROUND

Compacts are used to hold makeup and ancillary items. Compacts with sliding tops are desirable. However, the top needs to open and close smoothly, while at the same time the compact needs to be economically manufacturable.

SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure features a portable container. In some embodiments the container is constructed and adapted to hold cosmetics or other skin-care compositions and potentially ancillary items such as cosmetic applicators. However, the container can be used for other purposes. The container (herein sometimes termed a “compact”) has a top or lid that slides relative to the base to expose the contents, as opposed to the typical compact in which the top or lid pivots about a horizontal axis relative to the base.

Featured in one embodiment is a small, portable container with a sliding top, comprising a base that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator, a lid constructed and adapted to slide relative to the base, and a slide mechanism anchored to the base and slidingly engaged with the lid. The slide mechanism may be integrally formed with the base, or it may be separate from the base and coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base. The interfitting features may comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base. The slide mechanism may comprise four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism. The slide mechanism may comprise a bridge that is anchored to the base. The bridge may define overhangs on two sides. The lid may define projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs. The container may define bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge. The bearing surfaces may be vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet.

The container may further comprise a tray that snap fits into the base and defines one or more receiving volumes, wherein the slide mechanism snap fits to the base and defines a bridge that is located above the tray. The lid may snap fit over the slide mechanism and be movable relative to the slide mechanism. The container may further comprise a slide cover that snap fits onto the underside of the lid, and a bi-stable spring located between the lid and the slide cover, where one end of the spring is coupled to the underside of the bridge and the other end is coupled to either the underside of the slide cover or the underside of the lid. The tray may define a tray shelf located at one end of the base, and the tray shelf may define the area in which the lid and base overlap when the lid is slid into the open position.

The slide mechanism may be a unitary structure that is separate from the base and is coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base, in which the interfitting features comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base. The slide mechanism may comprise four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism further comprises a bridge that is anchored to the base. The bridge may define overhangs on two sides, wherein the lid defines projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs. There may be bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge, wherein the bearing surfaces are vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet. The lid and the base may each define multiple spaced small projections on facing surfaces, to help define the spacing between the lid and the base. In an embodiment the lid defines hooks that fit into and ride in slots in the base. In this embodiment the base may define shelves that the hooks fit under when the lid is in the closed position covering the base, to inhibit lifting the lid off the base or pivoting the lid relative to the base.

Featured in another embodiment is a compact with a sliding top, comprising a base that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator, a lid constructed and adapted to slide relative to the base, and a slide mechanism anchored to the base and slidingly engaged with the lid, wherein the slide mechanism is a unitary structure that is separate from the base and is coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base. The interfitting features comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base, wherein the slide mechanism comprises four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism. The slide mechanism further comprises a bridge that is anchored to the base, wherein the bridge defines overhangs on two sides. The lid defines projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs. There are bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge, wherein the bearing surfaces are vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet. This embodiment also includes a tray that snap fits into the base and defines one or more receiving volumes, wherein the slide mechanism snap fits to the base and defines a bridge that is located above the tray, and wherein the lid snap fits over the slide mechanism and is movable relative to the slide mechanism. There is also a slide cover that snap fits onto the underside of the lid, and a bi-stable spring located between the lid and the slide cover. One end of the spring is coupled to the underside of the bridge and the other end is coupled to either the underside of the slide cover or to the underside of the lid. The tray may define a tray shelf located at one end of the base, in which case the tray shelf may define the area in which the lid and base overlap when the lid is slid into the open position. The compact can be made entirely from molded plastic parts, except perhaps for the spring which is typically but not necessarily made of metal.

Two preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. These embodiments are compacts, but that is not a limitation as the container need not carry cosmetics.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the first embodiment with the sliding top assembly in the closed and open positions, respectively.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are bottom and top perspective views, respectively, of the base of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of the tray of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the slide cover of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the slide mechanism of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lid of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are views of an alternative lid.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the lid cover of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the assembled lid before it is assembled onto the assembled base.

FIG. 12 is a similar view, but with the slide cover removed to illustrate certain details.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial exploded view similar to that of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the open compact of the first embodiment illustrating certain aspects of the embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a cross-section of FIG. 1B and FIG. 15B is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a bottom perspective view of the lid of the second embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a close-up view of a portion thereof.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of one location of the second embodiment and FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a second location of the second embodiment and FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 18A.

Both embodiments disclosed herein comprise a compact for containing cosmetics, for example. The container could be used to hold other compositions and/or devices or items, e.g., skin care products and accessories such as brushes and pads for cosmetic and skin care, and may also include a mirror. The compact has a lid or cover that slides from a closed position in which the interior is covered, to an open position that provides access to the interior.

In the first embodiment a slide mechanism projects from the base and interlocks with the lid. The slide mechanism gives rigidity to the slide bearing and an easy, controllable fit. This embodiment comprises seven interfitting parts as shown in FIG. 2. Sliding top compact 10 comprises base 12, tray 14, slide cover 16, lid 18, lid cover 20, slide mechanism 22, and slide spring 24. In brief, tray 14 is held in base 12 and defines an extending pedestal that itself essentially defines the area of overlap between the lid assembly and the base assembly when the compact is in the open position. One advantage of this construction is that only a small portion of the length of the compact is dead space that is always covered by the lid. This accomplishes more volume within the compact to hold cosmetics, a brush that can be used for cosmetics application, and any other compositions or devices that are desired to be placed within the compact.

Slide mechanism 22 is securely anchored in base 12 and projects above tray 14 to provide interlocking features and bearing surfaces for the lid assembly. Spring 24 is constructed and arranged to define two stable positions—the closed and fully open positions—to give a smooth feeling for the user, absorb slack in the bearings and provide tactile feedback for the open and closed positions. Alternatively, more than one spring could be used to accomplish these functions.

Note that although this embodiment is constructed from six separate injection-molded plastic parts (plus the metal spring), this is not a limitation of the invention as those skilled in the field will understand that the device could be made of different materials, or be made of fewer or even a greater number of parts. For example, base 12 and tray 14 could be one part. Further, that part could also include the upwardly-projecting portions of slide mechanism 22. Preferably the housing is made of plastics such as polypropylenes, polycarbonates, styrenes, polyesters, acrylics or blends of these materials, unfilled or reinforced. However, there are no limitations on which material could be used. The slide mechanism is preferably made from a low friction plastic such as acetyls, polypropylenes, polyesters and polyamides, but the function is not limited to these materials. These materials can also include materials with lubrication like PTFE or silicone, and reinforcements such as glass.

In the first preferred embodiment, base 12 defines features 31 and 32 located along the opposing long sides at one end. These features provide a location for engagement with slide mechanism 22. Base 12 further defines features 33 at the proximate end wall that accomplish a snap fit of tray 14 into base 12. Tray 14 itself defines product-carrying volumes 41 and 43 that are separated by wall 42. This is only one of myriad possible arrangements of the tray, which can be designed to carry any one or more desired products or devices that are designed to be carried by the compact. Tray 14 also defines shelf 44 that is overlayed by the bottom of slide mechanism 22. Opening 45 is included to allow for tooling used in the molding process. Features 46, 47 and 48 accommodate a pivoting interior lid shown in FIG. 14.

Slide cover 16 is show in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Cover 16 defines locking projections 51-54 which engage into corresponding openings with locking features in the underside of lid 18. Features 55 and 56 are aligning features to ensure that cover 16 is centered as to lid 18. Post 57 holds one end of bi-stable spring 24. Alternatively, this post can be part of the inside of lid 18 and the spring can be coupled to this post and thus to the lid.

Slide mechanism 22, FIGS. 6A and 6B, is preferably made from a low friction resin as described above. Mechanism 22 is placed in the lid with a precise fit and is tightly held in place in base 12 via interlocking with features 31 and 32. The downwardly-projecting legs 61 and 62 each preferably define two spaced hooks (such as hook 68) that interlock with features 31 and 32, as shown in more detail in other drawings. There could be more than two hooks on each leg. This arrangement provides for simplified molding and ease of assembly, but also accomplishes a solid interlocking arrangement between slide mechanism 22 and base 12; the two or more spaced hooks on each leg accomplish more stability.

Slide mechanism 22 defines at its upper corners angled-top projecting shoulders 69a and 69b that can define a sliding interface with the lid. Features 64 and 65 accomplish a pre-loaded lid force against the base and help to eliminate slack in the slide bearings; they also help damp open/close sounds. These features also provide tactile feedback for the closed position of the lid. Four notches (notch 66 labeled) are core outs that create space for features 51-54 in cover 16.

Lid 18a, FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D (FIG. 8D comprises cross sections at four locations of the open compact) illustrates an alternative feature of the invention in which the lid locks in place when it is closed to prevent the user from trying to pivot the lid open about a horizontal axis as opposed to the correct sliding opening movement. Hooks 71 and 72 ride within slots 77a and 77b in the base assembly 12a. At the end of the travel of the hooks (in the closed position), the hooks engage under a lip or shelf (not shown) that inhibits the lid from being lifted off of the base.

Lid cover 20, FIGS. 9A and 9B, is decorative and can be used to accomplish much of the appearance and labeling associated with the product. Lid cover 20 snap fits over the shelf feature 75 around the perimeter of lid 18.

FIGS. 10 through 15 detail certain aspects of the construction and operation of the first embodiment. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate additional details of the sliding lid assembly 120 that is made up of slide cover 16, lid 18 and lid cover 20 (and spring 24), and which fits tightly onto slide mechanism 22. The construction shown in FIG. 11 is the complete lid assembly 120 that is snap-fitted into the base assembly by pushing projecting multiple hook features 61 and 62 of mechanism 22 down into the base assembly. A space along the two opposed long sides between slide cover 16 and lid 18 defines side longitudinal slots 126 and 128 that allow for movement of lid assembly 120 relative to slide mechanism 22. This allows the lid assembly 120 to slide relative to base assembly 121. Small projections or bumps on each long side of the underside of assembly 120 (projection 122 being visible in FIG. 11) accomplish a defined, fairly even gap between the lid assembly and the base assembly. Similar small projections on the base such as projection 104 (FIG. 14) also contribute to defining the gap between the lid assembly and the base assembly.

FIG. 12 shows lid assembly 120 without slide cover 16. Spring 24 is anchored at one end to the underside of slide mechanism 22 and at its other end is anchored to the lid assembly. Preferably the anchor point is the inside surface of slide cover 16. In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the drawing, the spring is anchored to the lid instead of the slide cover. Accordingly, as the lid assembly is moved from the closed to the open position and vice-versa, spring 24 is able to define two stable end positions of the lid assembly.

The interfitting of the slide mechanism in the base, and that of the lid assembly on the slide mechanism, are illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 14 and 15. Hook 68 of mechanism 22 fits under shelf 34 of feature 32 of base 12. The similar locking arrangement of the other three hooks is not shown. The sloped or angled construction of feature 68 allows projection 61 to be bent slight inward as slide mechanism 22 is pushed downward into base 12 as the lid assembly is assembled into the base assembly. Because the plastic has some give, the hooks spring back to their normal position once features 68 move past shelf 34. Two spaced hooks at each end of slide mechanism 22 accomplishes a four-point locking that provides stability so that there is less play between the lid assembly and the base assembly as the lid assembly is opened and closed. FIG. 14 also shows pivoting interior lid 102 that pivots about features 48 of tray 14.

The engagement of the lid assembly on the slide mechanism is shown in more detail in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Projecting slide mechanism feature 69 defines a sloped top that eases assembly of slide mechanism 22 onto lid 18. Lid 18 defines interior projecting shelf 73 that fits underneath feature 69. The construction is designed such that the bearing surface is at the vertical intersection 117 of feature 73 and mechanism 22. As this bearing surface is as long as the width of mechanism 22, and exists at both ends of mechanism 22 (i.e., both sides of the lid assembly), the result is very little play between the lid assembly and the slide mechanism as the lid assembly is moved.

Certain aspects of a second embodiment are shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. Lid assembly 120a defines projecting hooks 71a and 72a that are part of lid 18a. These hooks engage in interior slots in base 12a, one such slot 35 shown in FIG. 17B. One manner in which this hook and slide engagement can be used is as a replacement for the sliding bearing using mechanism 22, described relative to the first embodiment. Thus in this second embodiment mechanism 22 and associated constructional aspects can be eliminated. Another manner in which such hooks can be used is in addition to the sliding bearing described relative to the first embodiment: in this case, as described above hooks 71a and 72a can function to lock the lid in its closed position to prevent it from being lifted off the base or pivoted about a horizontal axis relative to the base. This aspect might help with users who have historically owned compacts with pivoting covers. The closed position is shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, wherein cavity 35a defines overhang 119 below which hook 71 is located to help ensure that the only movement of the lid from this position is sliding, not pivoting.

Although features of the sliding top container are shown in some drawings and not others this is for convenience of illustration and is not a limitation. Other features and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the claims. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A small, portable container with a sliding top, comprising:

a base that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator;

a lid constructed and adapted to slide relative to the base; and

a slide mechanism anchored to the base and slidingly engaged with the lid.

2. The container of claim 1 in which the slide mechanism is integrally formed with the base.

3. The container of claim 1 in which the slide mechanism is separate from the base and is coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base.

4. The container of claim 3 in which the interfitting features comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein the slide mechanism comprises four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the slide mechanism comprises a bridge that is anchored to the base.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein the bridge defines overhangs on two sides.

8. The container of claim 7 wherein the lid defines projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs.

9. The container of claim 8 defining bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the bearing surfaces are vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet.

11. The container of claim 1 further comprising a tray that snap fits into the base and defines one or more receiving volumes, wherein the slide mechanism snap fits to the base and defines a bridge that is located above the tray, wherein the lid snap fits over the slide mechanism and is movable relative to the slide mechanism, further comprising a slide cover that snap fits onto the underside of the lid, and further comprising a bi-stable spring located between the lid and the slide cover, where one end of the spring is coupled to the underside of the bridge and the other end is coupled to the underside of either the slide cover or the lid.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the tray defines a tray shelf located at one end of the base, and the tray shelf defines the area in which the lid and base overlap when the lid is slid into the open position.

13. The container of claim 1 wherein the slide mechanism is a unitary structure that is separate from the base and is coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base, in which the interfitting features comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base, wherein the slide mechanism comprises four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism further comprises a bridge that is anchored to the base, wherein the bridge defines overhangs on two sides, wherein the lid defines projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs, and there are bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge, wherein the bearing surfaces are vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet.

14. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid defines hooks that fit into and ride in slots in the base.

15. The container of claim 14 wherein the base defines shelves that the hooks fit under when the lid is in the closed position covering the base, to inhibit lifting the lid off the base or pivoting the lid relative to the base.

16. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid and the base each define multiple spaced small projections on facing surfaces, to help define the spacing between the lid and the base.

17. A compact with a sliding top, comprising:

a base that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator;

a lid constructed and adapted to slide relative to the base; and

a slide mechanism anchored to the base and slidingly engaged with the lid, wherein the slide mechanism is a unitary structure that is separate from the base and is coupled to the base through interfitting features on the slide mechanism and the base, in which the interfitting features comprise hooks on the slide mechanism that engage into cavities in the base, wherein the slide mechanism comprises four hooks, two each on two downwardly-projecting legs, with one leg on each opposed side of the slide mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism further comprises a bridge that is anchored to the base, wherein the bridge defines overhangs on two sides, wherein the lid defines projecting shelves that fit under the overhangs, and there are bearing surfaces between the lid and the bridge, wherein the bearing surfaces are vertical surfaces where the shelves and the bridge meet;

a tray that snap fits into the base and defines one or more receiving volumes;

wherein the slide mechanism snap fits to the base and defines a bridge that is located above the tray;

wherein the lid snap fits over the slide mechanism and is movable relative to the slide mechanism;

a slide cover that snap fits onto the underside of the lid; and

a bi-stable spring located between the lid and the slide cover, where one end of the spring is coupled to the underside of the bridge and the other end is coupled to the underside of either the slide cover or the lid.

18. The compact of claim 17 wherein the tray defines a tray shelf located at one end of the base, and the tray shelf defines the area in which the lid and base overlap when the lid is slid into the open position.

19. The compact of claim 17 wherein the compact is made entirely from plastic except for the spring.