Beauty Center

Abstract

A beauty center having a synchronized cosmetic turntable system including first and second turntables. Each of the first and second turntables has a plurality of compartments corresponding to one another, and each set of corresponding compartments represents a unique color scheme. The second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable. The beauty center further includes at least one accessory turntable having a plurality of compartments, a retractable electrical cord extending from the beauty center, and a hair styling device configured to be removably coupled to the retractable electrical cord.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a display and/or organization system and, more particularly, to a beauty center.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, one's cosmetics, brushes, hair styling devices, jewelry, and other personal hygiene products and personal adornment items may be stored in a variety of locations, including cabinets, dressers, and/or shelves in a bathroom and/or bedroom. Occasionally, a vanity may serve as a central location for all such products. In general, however, such products tend not to be stored in a spatially effective or well organized manner.

A typical vanity or other storage unit lacks an organization system by which a user may easily ascertain what products are complementary or go together well. For example, each time the user applies cosmetics, she must sort through all of her products to choose one of each type to be applied—for example, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick, etc.—to determine what colors go together well or create the desire look. Such a selection process may be time consuming. Moreover, it is possible that the user may not choose a combination of products that looks best, or the user may have a disability that adds an additional challenge to the selection process.

Moreover, traditional bathrooms or vanity settings may have a limited number of electrical outlets. For example, all of the user's electrical devices must share one or two electrical outlets. This may prevent multiple people from getting ready at the same time or delay a getting ready routine as only one or two electrical devices may be used at one time.

As a further challenge, when multiple electrical devices are being used at a same time or when multiple electrical devices are stored in the same drawer or cabinet, the cords of such electrical devices may easily become twisted or tangled. In addition, it is often difficult to keep electrical devices tidy in a storage position because their cords prevent compact storage. Moreover, electrical cords may become damaged if they are stored with the electrical cords tightly wrapped around the electrical devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the claimed invention, a beauty center includes a synchronized cosmetic turntable system having a first turntable with a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable. Each compartment of the first turntable represents a unique color scheme. The synchronized cosmetic turntable also includes a second turntable with a same number of compartments located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the second turntable. Each compartment at a specific location of the second turntable represents a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position of the first turntable. The second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable. The beauty center further includes at least one accessory turntable having a plurality of compartments. The beauty center further includes a retractable electrical cord extending from the beauty center. A hair styling device is configured to be removably coupled to the retractable electrical cord, so as to provide an electrical current through the hair styling device.

According to another aspect of the claimed invention, a synchronized turntable system for coordinating complementary cosmetics, accessories, and/or other items of personal adornment includes a first turntable with a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable. Each compartment of the first turntable represents a unique color scheme. The synchronized turntable system further includes a second turntable with a same number of compartments located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable. Each compartment at a specific position on the second turntable represents a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position on the first turntable. The second turntable is configured to fixedly rotate relative to the first turntable. The synchronized turntable system further includes a control for selectively stopping rotation of the first and second turntables when a desired color scheme is displayed.

According to yet another aspect of the claimed invention, a method for coordinating complementary products using a beauty center is provided. The beauty center includes a first turntable with a plurality of compartments for a plurality of first items. The compartments are located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable, and each compartment represents a unique color scheme. The beauty center also includes a second turntable having a plurality of compartments for a plurality of second items. The plurality of compartments of the second turntable includes the same number of compartments as the first turntable, and the plurality of compartments are located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable. Each compartment at a specific location on the second turntable represents a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position of the first turntable. The second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable. The beauty center further includes a control for selectively starting and stopping rotation of the turntables. The method includes the steps of selecting and positioning within each compartment of the first turntable, one of the plurality of first items. The method further includes the step of selecting and positioning within each compartment of the second turntable at a same position as the corresponding compartment of the first turntable, one of the plurality of second items based on the selections for the first turntable. The items are selected such that each corresponding compartment in the first and second turntables contains complementary colored items. The method further includes the steps of starting the fixed rotation of the first and second turntables and stopping the fixed rotation of the first and second turntables when a desired combination of first and second items is displayed.

According to yet another aspect of the claimed invention, a method of manufacturing a beauty center includes a step of providing a turntable system for coordinating complementary cosmetics, accessories, or other items of personal adornment. The turntable system includes a first turntable having a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable. Each compartment represents a unique color scheme. The turntable system further includes a second turntable having a same number of compartments as the first turntable. The method also includes a step of arranging the compartments of the second turntable to be located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable, such that each compartment at a specific position on the second turntable represents a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position on the first turntable. The method further includes a step of fixedly coupling rotation mechanisms of the first and second turntables, such that the second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable.

According to still another aspect of the claimed invention, an interchangeable hair styling system includes an electrical cord having a connection unit at an end of the electrical cord. The connection unit includes at least one thread adjacent a free end of the connection unit. The hair styling system also includes a cordless hair styling device that has at least one thread adjacent an end of the device. When the hair styling device is threadably coupled to the electrical cord, an electrical current is provided through the hair styling device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a beauty center.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the beauty center of FIG. 1, in which doors are open to reveal a cabinet interior, as well as a chair accompanying the beauty center.

FIG. 3 is a partial magnified front view of the beauty center of FIG. 2, in which the chair is removed from its storage position.

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational view along line 4-4 of the beauty center of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an interchangeable hair styling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a beauty center 2 having a base 4 and an upper unit 6 mounted on the base 4. In an embodiment, the base 4 may be similar to a dresser having drawers 8 and a top surface 10. The base 4 may have dimensions equivalent to those of a standard dresser. For example, the base 4 may have a width of 38 inches and a length of 88 inches. In the embodiment shown, the base 4 has six drawers 8 and one cabinet 12, yet one of ordinary skill will appreciate that any number of drawers 8 and/or cabinets 12 may be included. As will be described in further detail below, the cabinet 12 of the base 4 may include a chair storage space that is sized to store a chair 14 therein. Alternatively, additional drawers 8 may be provided in place of the cabinet 12 if the chair storage space is not required. The base 4 may further include a hideaway tray 16 proximate the top surface 10 of the base 4. The hideaway tray 16 may be designed to hold combs, brushes, and/or other items that fit within a relatively shallow tray.

The upper unit 6 may be fixedly or removably mounted to the base 4. For example, the upper unit 6 may be manufactured and sold as a combined unit with the base 4, or the upper unit 6 may be manufactured as a separate piece that is capable of being used with a conventional dresser.

The upper unit 6 may include a plurality of cabinets. For example, the embodiment shown includes a center cabinet 20, a left cabinet 22, and a right cabinet 24. The cabinets may include single or double doors or no doors at all. In the embodiment shown, the center cabinet 20 has double doors 26, the left cabinet 22 has a door 28 that opens to the left, and the right cabinet 24 has a door 30 that opens to the right. The outer 32 and inner 34 surfaces of each door 26, 28, 30 may comprise a mirror and/or a decorative surface. Alternatively, one or more of the doors 26, 28, 30 may comprise a glass panel such that the contents held in the cabinets 20, 22, 24 are visible through the doors 26, 28, 30. In the embodiment shown, framed pictures are included on the outer surfaces 32 of the doors 26 for the center cabinet 20, mirrors are included on the inner surfaces 34 of the doors 26 for the center cabinet 20, and the doors 28, 30 for the left and right cabinets 22, 24 have transparent glass panels.

One of ordinary skill will recognize that dimensions of the base 4, the upper unit 6, and the doors 26, 28, 30 may vary relative to one another. Similarly, a position of the upper unit 6 relative to the base 4 may also vary. In an embodiment, however, the doors 26 are configured to overhang the top surface 10 of the base 4. As such, when the doors 26 are open, a user may stand upright in front of at least a portion of the mirror on the inner surface 24 of one of the doors 26 and use an opposing mirror on the inner surface 24 of the other door 26 to see the back of her hair and outfit, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the center cabinet 20 of the upper unit 6 includes a synchronized cosmetic turntable system 40 having a plurality of turntables 42, 44 (upper and lower turntables, respectively) coupled to and supported on a plurality of respective vertical axles 46. Each axle 46 may have a single turntable 42 or a plurality of turntables 42, 44 coupled to and vertically spaced on the axle 46. In the embodiment shown, the center cabinet 20 has three axles 46, each axle 46 having an upper and a lower turntable 42, 44 coupled thereto. The three lower turntables 44 are arranged at a certain height on the axles 46, and the three upper turntables 42 are arranged at a height above the lower turntables. One of ordinary skill will recognize, however, that the number of axles and the number of turntables per axle may vary.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, at least one turntable 42 on each axle 46 includes a plurality of compartments 48 located at a plurality of positions on the turntable 42. Each turntable 42 may also include a cylindrical holder 50 positioned concentrically around the axle 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the upper turntable 42 on each axle 46 has a cylindrical holder 50 positioned adjacent the axle 46 and fourteen compartments 48 radially surrounding the cylindrical holder 50. One of ordinary skill, however, will recognize that the number of compartments 48 may vary. The compartments 48 (for example, 48a, 48b, 48c) are located at the same positions on each of the turntables 42. Corresponding compartments 48 (for example, all three compartments 48a) on the turntables 42 may be labeled (not shown) so as designate the different compartments 48 and signify correspondence of the compartments 48 on the various turntables 42. For example, the compartments 48 may be labeled with numbers, symbols, or Braille. Moreover, the labels may indicate what should be placed within the compartments 48, as will be further described below.

With further reference to FIGS. 2-4, the turntables 42, 44 are fixedly coupled to the axles 46, and thus rotation of the axles 46 causes rotation of the turntables 42, 44. A motor (not shown) operated by a control enables such rotation. The control may comprise an on/off switch that a user may operate to begin rotation and stop rotation of the turntables 42, 44 as desired. Such a switch may be located at any easily accessible position on the beauty center 2. Alternatively, the control may comprise a switch that detects when the doors 26 of the center cabinet 20 are opened. The three axles 46 rotate in the same direction—either clockwise or counterclockwise—and to begin rotation the three axles 46 are coupled to one another, either directly or indirectly, such that the axles 46 fixedly rotate at the same speed. Accordingly, the positions of the compartments 48 on each of the turntables 42 are in fixed positions relative to each other when the axles 46 cause the turntables 42 to rotate.

The compartments 48 are configured to hold a variety of items 52. In an embodiment, the turntables 42, 44 of the center cabinet 20 may be configured to hold a variety of cosmetic or beauty product items 52. In particular, each upper turntable 42 may correspond to a certain category of cosmetic that comes in a variety of colors—for example, eye shadows, eye liners, lip colors (including lip sticks, lip glosses, lip stains, lip liners, etc.), nail polishes, etc. For a turntable 42 corresponding to a certain category of cosmetic, each compartment 48 corresponds to a particular color of that category of cosmetic. In other words, fourteen different colored items 52 of that category of cosmetic fill the fourteen compartments 48. Each of the remaining two turntables 42 corresponds to a different category of cosmetic, and the compartments 48 of each turntable correspond to particular colored items 52 of those cosmetics that are complementary to the corresponding compartments 48 of the first turntable 42. Therefore, corresponding compartments 48 in each of the three turntables 42 include complementary cosmetic items 52 that are part of a unique color scheme. A color scheme may include matching colors or any other combination of colors that a user finds pleasing.

To give an example, in the embodiment shown, the upper left turntable 42 holds nail polishes, the upper middle turntable 42 holds eye shadows, and the upper right turntable 42 holds lip colors. Therefore, corresponding compartments 48 on the three turntables 42 will include a nail polish, an eye shadow, and a lip color in the same unique color scheme. The color scheme may include, for example, red nail polish, light gold eye shadow, and red lip color. If a user would like to apply the cosmetic items 52 of this color scheme, the user may operate the control to stop rotation when this desired color scheme is at an accessible position on the turntables 42.

The cylindrical holders 50 on the turntables 42 may include other cosmetic items. These cosmetic items may correspond to a similar category of cosmetics as the items on the same turntable 42. For example, in the embodiment shown, the cylindrical holder 50 on the upper left turntable 42 holds nail care products, such as nail files, clippers, cuticle trimmers, nail scissors, etc.; the cylindrical holder 50 on the upper middle turntable 42 holds eye liners; and the cylindrical holder 50 on the upper right turntable 42 holds lip liners.

The lower turntables 44 may be used for other more general cosmetic or personal hygiene items. Those items may include concealer, powder, blush, mascara, false eyelashes, fake fingernails, and other cosmetic items for which a user uses only one (or a limited number) of colors, regardless of the desired color scheme. The items on the lower turntables 44 may further include items such as deodorant, lotion, perfume, face cream, eye cream, makeup remover, nail polish remover, cosmetic brushes and applicators, hair spray and other hair products, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and any other items that are used on a daily basis or are independent of a desired color scheme. Alternatively, the lower turntables 44 may also have compartments that operate as part of the same synchronization system described above with respect to the upper turntables 42.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the left and right cabinets 22, 24 of the beauty center 2 each include at least one vertical axle 60. Moreover, each axle 60 has at least one turntable 62 coupled to and supported thereon, similar to the axles 46 of the center cabinet 20. The axles 60 (and thus the accessory turntables 62) may be configured to rotate in a same or an opposite direction as the axles 46 and the cosmetic turntables 42, 44.

In the embodiment shown, each turntable 62 includes seven compartments 64, such that the total number of compartments 64 for a left turntable 62 and a right turntable 62 equals fourteen compartments 64. The turntables 62 in the left and right cabinets 22, 24 may be used for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, rings, hair accessories, or any other items of personal adornment. Depending on the type of accessory item to be presented on a turntable 62, a model form 66 may be included in some or all of the compartments 64 to provide a better display of the items.

Similar to the cosmetic turntables 42, the compartments 64 on the accessory turntables 62 represent different color schemes. The compartments 64 are located at corresponding positions on the left and right turntables 62, and the turntables 62 fixedly rotate relative to one another. In this way, the corresponding compartments 64 of the accessory turntables 62 represent complementary accessory items. Complementary accessory items may include accessory items of the same color scheme, holiday themed accessory combinations, or accessory combinations suitable for different types of events (for example, work appropriate, casual, formal, etc.). One or more additional turntables 68 may also be coupled to the axles 60 in vertically spaced relation to the turntable 62. The additional turntables 68 may comprise compartments that correspond to the compartments 64 of the turntables 62, or the additional turntable 68 may be used for general storage.

Moreover, the accessory item for each compartment 64 of the accessory turntable 62 may be selected to be of the same color scheme as the corresponding cosmetic turntables 42, and rotation of the accessory turntables 62 may be synchronized with rotation of the cosmetic turntables 42. To continue the example from above in which the cosmetic color scheme with red nail polish is used, the corresponding compartments 64 of the accessory turntables 42 contain accessories of the same color scheme. An accessory color scheme may be more flexible than a cosmetic color scheme. For example, the user may wish to wear red accessories, multi-colored accessories, or silver or gold accessories.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the beauty center 2 further includes an interchangeable hair styling system 80. The interchangeable hair styling system 80 includes at least one retractable electrical cord 82 extending from the beauty center 2 and at least one cordless hair styling device 84.

In the embodiment shown, six retractable electrical cords 82 extend from apertures 86 (only one shown) in a top shelf 88 positioned in the center cabinet 20 of the upper unit 6. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that a number of retractable electrical cords 82 and their positions on the beauty center 2 may vary. The retractable cords 82 may be 15 feet long, or any length that is sufficient to reach to where a user stands or sits in front of the beauty center 2. It should be recognized, however, that the longer the cord 82, the wider the range of motion that the user has while styling her hair.

The retractable electrical cord 82 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) that retains the electrical cord 82 in an extended position when it is extended to the desired length. The locking mechanism may release the electrical cord 82 and allow it to retract when a user subsequently tugs on the electrical cord 82. In this way, the retractable electrical cord 82 operates similarly to an automobile seat belt. A bulb 90 or other shape of protrusion having a larger diameter than the aperture 86 is positioned on the retractable electrical cord 82. The bulb 90 prevents the electrical cord 82 from retracting into the beauty center 2 and provides a grip for the user to easily pull the electrical cord 82 out to extend the electrical cord 82 from its retracted position. In another embodiment, a connection unit 92 (described in further detail below) of the retractable electrical cord 82 may be sized and shaped so as to serve the same function as the bulb 90, thus replacing a need for the bulb 90.

One end of the electrical cord 82 is coupled to a source of electricity (not shown). For example, the electrical cord 82 may include a plug (not shown) that is inserted directly into an electrical outlet (not shown) in a wall (not shown) adjacent the beauty center 2 or into an electrical source that is housed within the beauty center 2. An opposite end or a free end 94, of the electrical cord 82 extends from the beauty center 2 and includes a connection unit 92 at the end thereof. The connection unit 92 corresponds to a connection end 96 of an electrical styling device 84.

The electrical styling device 84 is cordless and is configured to be coupled to the retractable electrical cord 82 so as to provide an electrical current through the electrical styling device 84. The electrical styling device 84 may be a blow dryer, curling iron, straightening iron, crimping iron, hot rollers, razor, clipper, trimmer, massager, etc. The coupling between the electrical styling device 84 and the retractable electrical cord 82 is capable of decoupling and recoupling, and, thus, the retractable cord 82 may be used interchangeably with a variety of electrical styling devices 84 having connection ends 96 corresponding to the connection unit 92 of the electrical cord 82.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the connection unit 92 of the electrical cord 82 may include at least one thread (not shown) adjacent a free end of the connection unit 92. Similarly, the electrical styling device 84 may include at least one thread 98 adjacent the connection end 96 thereof, the at least one thread 98 corresponding in shape and size to the at least one thread of the electrical cord 82. The threads may comprise a single turn or multiple turns. It will also be appreciated that a series of multiple threads may be used in place of a single, continuous thread. More specifically, the connection unit 92 of the electrical cord 82 may be a female socket with the at least one thread being inwardly positioned therein. The connection end 96 of the electrical styling device 84 may be shaped as a male connector. The male connector corresponds in size and shape to the female socket and has the at least one thread 98 outwardly positioned on the male connector. Alternatively, a connection mechanism may be reversed such that the connection unit 92 of the electrical cord 82 comprises the male connector and the female socket is positioned on the electrical styling device 84. Moreover, one of ordinary skill would recognize that as an alternative to a threaded coupling, the electrical cord 82 and the electrical styling device 84 could be coupled by a snap-fit, magnetic, or any other suitable type of coupling.

With reference now to further aspects of the invention, specifically with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a chair 14 may be provided with the beauty center 2, as noted above. The chair 14 may be stored inside the cabinet 12 when the beauty center 2 (or simply the chair 14) is not in use. In the embodiment shown, the chair 14 is similar to an armchair having adjustable features. In particular, the back rest 110 of the chair 14 may be coupled to telescoping members 112 that allow the back rest 110 to be adjusted downward, similar to a car head rest. In this way, the back rest 110 of the chair 14 may be pushed down so as to fit within the cabinet 12. In use, the back rest 110 may be raised to a position that is comfortable to the user. In an embodiment, the chair 14 may further be supported on wheels (not shown) so as to aid in the movement of the chair 14. In the present embodiment, the chair 14 includes a storage space or shelf 114 (shown in phantom) underneath a seat portion 116. This storage space 114 may be used for a variety of items 118, such as a pedicure set, a foot massager, and/or a radio. While the embodiment shown is an arm chair 14 having an adjustable back rest 110 and a storage space 114, one of ordinary skill will recognize that a wide variety of chairs or seats may be used with the beauty center 2, or that no chair at all need be included.

With further respect to the cabinet 12 as shown in FIG. 3, the inside thereof may include a foot rest 120. The foot rest 120 may be positioned on a telescoping member 122. When the telescoping member 122 is pushed in, the foot rest 118 may be stored inside the cabinet 12. When the telescoping member 122 is extended, the foot rest 118 may extend to the outside of the cabinet 12 and may be used to support a foot of a person sitting in the chair 14. Therefore, the footrest 120 should be positioned at a height less than or equal to the seat portion 116 of the chair 14. The foot rest 120 may be used to facilitate the user painting her toenails or otherwise grooming her feet. The inside of the cabinet 12 may further include an electrical outlet (not shown) positioned on a wall of the cabinet 12. The electrical outlet provides an easily accessible power source for the items 118 or any other items requiring an electrical connection which the user wishes to use with the beauty center 2.

Other features of the beauty center 2 include overhead lights (not shown) positioned above the shelf 88 and/or above the turntables 42, 62 in the center and/or side cabinets 20, 22, 24 of the upper unit 6. Any variety of lights may be used, including those ideally intended for application of cosmetics. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a pressure sensor or switch 130 is shown positioned beneath the center cabinet doors 26. The switch 130 may detect when one or more of the doors 26 is opened and automatically turn on the light. The light may also be automatically turned off when both of the doors 26 are closed. Switches 130 may additionally or alternatively be used in connection with the doors 28, 30 of the side cabinets 22, 24. As a further alternative, a light switch (not shown) may be positioned on the beauty center 2 so as to enable a user to turn on and off the light as she chooses.

Mirrors 132 may create back walls of the cabinets 20, 22, 24. The center cabinet 20 may include two or more mirrors 132 that are angled and intersect near a center of the cabinet 20 to form a V-shape or a generally concave shape. The motor and other mechanical apparatus (not shown) of the beauty center 2 may be positioned in a space 134 behind the mirrors 132.

As an additional feature of the present invention, the beauty center 2 may include a heat protective surface on the shelf 88, the top surface 10 of the base 4, and/or any other surface on which elements of the hair styling system 80 are placed when electrical current is running through them or while they are hot.

It should be appreciated that the aspects of the present invention may be incorporated in any combination, in any form, and in a variety of settings, including home, salon, and retail arrangements. For example, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the upper unit 6 of the beauty center 2 may be used above a sink, rather than a dresser. In this embodiment, the beauty center 2 may not comprise a base 4, as the upper unit 6 may be mounted to a wall. The bathroom sink embodiment may also include foot pedal control of water flow at various temperatures. In another alternative embodiment, the upper unit 6 may include a center cabinet 20 without one or both of the side cabinets 22, 24, and the upper unit 6 may include any combination of cosmetic and/or accessory turntables 42, 44, 62. The beauty center 2 may be manufactured as a stand-alone unit or as an addition that may be used with any standard base 4, or the beauty center 2 may be built into cabinetry.

Moreover, the synchronized turntable system 40 is not limited to use with cosmetics and accessories. The compartments 48, 64 of the synchronized turntable system 40 may be used to hold and display any variety of items in particular combinations. For example, the synchronized turntable system 40 may alternatively be used for crafting or jewelry making.

In use, a user of the beauty center 2 selects and positions one item 52 from a plurality of one category of product, such as from a category of cosmetic, jewelry, or other item of personal adornment, within each compartment 48 of a turntable 42. The selection process may be determined by a guide provided along with the beauty center 2, by a code provided on labels of corresponding items 52, or by the user's personal preferences. The user then selects and positions items 52 from a plurality of another category of product in each compartment 48 of another turntable 42. The items 52 for the second turntable 42 are chosen based on the selections for the first turntable 42, such that each of the compartments 48 at corresponding positions on the first and second turntables 42 contain items 52 of the same unique color scheme or items 52 that are otherwise complementary. The user continues this process of selecting and positioning complementary items 52 in corresponding compartments 48 and/or 64 of any additional turntables 42 and/or 62 of the synchronized turntable system 40.

Once the user has positioned all of the desired items 52 in the compartments 48, 64 of the turntables 42, 62 the user uses the control—for example, by pressing a button, opening a door 26 of the cabinet 20, voice command, etc.—to start rotation of the synchronized turntable system 40. When a desired color scheme or combination of items 52 is visible and easily accessible on the turntable system 40, the user uses the control to stop rotation of the turntable system 40. Once rotation has stopped, the user may remove the desired items 52 from the turntables 42, 62 apply or otherwise utilize the items 52, and return the items 52 to their previous positions on the turntables 42, 62. At this time, the synchronized turntable system 40 is ready for the next use. Moreover, a user may reposition the items 52 at any time she desires to create new unique color schemes or other combinations.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspect is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative system, apparatus, and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A beauty center comprising:

a synchronized cosmetic turntable system further comprising: a first turntable having a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable, each compartment representing a unique color scheme; and a second turntable having a same number of compartments located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable, each compartment at a specific position representing a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position on the first turntable, wherein the second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable;

at least one accessory turntable having a plurality of compartments;

a retractable electrical cord extending from the beauty center; and

a hair styling device configured to be removably coupled to the retractable electrical cord, so as to provide an electrical current through the hair styling device.

2. The beauty center of claim 1, wherein each compartment of the first turntable corresponds to a first item from one of the following categories: eye shadows, lip colors, and nail polishes.

3. The beauty center of claim 2, wherein each compartment of the second turntable corresponds to a second item from one of the following categories: eye shadows, lip colors, and nail polishes, wherein the second item is from a different category than the first item and is of the same color scheme as the first item.

4. The beauty center of claim 1 further comprising:

a control for selectively starting and stopping rotation of the turntables.

5. The beauty center of claim 1, wherein the retractable cord and the hair styling device are removably coupled via a threaded connection.

6. The beauty center of claim 1, wherein the hair styling device comprises one of the following: blow dryer, straightening iron, curling iron, crimping iron, hot rollers, razor, clipper, trimmer, and massager.

7. The beauty center of claim 1, wherein the accessory turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first and second turntables of the cosmetic turntable system.

8. The beauty center of claim 1, further comprising:

an axle to which the first turntable is coupled; and

a third turntable coupled to the axle, such that the first and third turntables are vertically spaced thereon.

9. A synchronized turntable system for coordinating complementary cosmetics, accessories, or other items of personal adornment, the turntable system comprising:

a first turntable having a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable, each compartment representing a unique color scheme;

a second turntable having a same number of compartments located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable, each compartment at a specific position representing a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position on the first turntable, the second turntable configured to fixedly rotate relative to the first turntable; and

a control for selectively stopping rotation of the first and second turntables when a desired color scheme is displayed.

10. The turntable system of claim 9 further comprising:

a third turntable having a plurality of compartments, each compartment representing a same color scheme as one of the compartments of the first turntable, the third turntable configured to fixedly rotate relative to the first turntable.

11. The turntable system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of compartments of the first turntable are occupied by a plurality of items of unique color schemes from one of the following categories: lip colors, eye shadows, blushes, and nail polishes.

12. The turntable system of claim 9, wherein the compartments of the first turntable are occupied by a plurality of items from one of the following categories: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, and rings.

13. The turntable system of claim 9, further comprising:

an axle to which the first turntable is coupled; and

a third turntable coupled to the axle, such that the first and third turntables are vertically spaced thereon.

14. A method for coordinating complementary products using a beauty center having a first turntable with a plurality of compartments for a plurality of first items, the compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable, each compartment representing a unique color scheme, a second turntable having a plurality of compartments for a plurality of second items, the plurality of compartments comprising the same number of compartments as the first turntable, being located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable, and each compartment at a specific location representing a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position of the first turntable, and a control for selectively starting and stopping rotation of the turntables, wherein the second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable, the method comprising:

selecting and positioning within each compartment of the first turntable, one of the plurality of first items;

selecting and positioning within each compartment of the second turntable at a same position as the corresponding compartment of the first turntable, one of the plurality of second items based on the selections for the first turntable, such that each corresponding compartment in the first and second turntables contains complementary colored items;

starting the fixed rotation of the first and second turntables; and

stopping the fixed rotation of the first and second turntables when a desired combination of first and second items is displayed.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second items are from two different categories of cosmetics.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second items are from two different categories of accessories.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

applying the desired combination of first and second items; and

replacing the desired combination of first and second items in the compartments of the respective first and second turntables.

18. A method of manufacturing a beauty center, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a turntable system for coordinating complementary cosmetics, accessories, or other items of personal adornment, the turntable system including a first turntable having a plurality of compartments located at a plurality of positions on the first turntable, each compartment representing a unique color scheme and a second turntable having a same number of compartments as the first turntable;

arranging the compartments of the second turntable to be located at the same plurality of positions on the second turntable as on the first turntable, such that each compartment at a specific position on the second turntable represents a same color scheme as a compartment at a corresponding position on the first turntable; and

fixedly coupling rotation mechanisms of the first and second turntables, such that the second turntable fixedly rotates relative to the first turntable.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

providing a retractable electrical cord extending from the beauty center and a hair styling device configured to be removably coupled to the retractable electrical cord, so as to provide an electrical current through the hair styling device.

20. An interchangeable hair styling system comprising:

an electrical cord having a connection unit at the end thereof, the connection unit further including at least one thread adjacent a free end thereof; and

a cordless hair styling device having at least one thread adjacent an end thereof,

wherein when the hair styling device is threadably coupled to the electrical cord, an electrical current is provided through the hair styling device.

21. The hair styling system of claim 20, wherein the connection unit of the electrical cord further comprises a female socket, the at least one thread being inwardly positioned in the female socket, and

wherein the hair styling device further comprises a male connector at the end thereof, the at least one thread being outwardly positioned on the male connector.

22. The hair styling system of claim 20, wherein the electrical cord is retractable.

23. The hair styling system of claim 20, wherein the hair styling device comprises one of the following: blow dryer, straightening iron, curling iron, crimping iron, hot rollers, razor, clipper, trimmer, and massager.