System and method for providing a container

Abstract

A novelty container. The container may comprise a storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area. The closure may have instructions instructing or implying the opening of the closure for a novelty purpose. The container also may have a mirror having at least one reflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to containers. More particularly, the field of the invention relates to small novelty containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Novelty containers can be small boxes that have decorated exteriors. The containers may be made of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. The container typically has four walls, a bottom, and a closure, which may be removable or hinged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment includes a novelty container. The container may comprise a storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area. The closure may have instructions instructing or inferring the opening of the closure for a novelty purpose. The container also may have a mirror having at least one reflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.

Another embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a novelty container. The method comprises: providing a container having a closure; providing a reflective surface to a bottom of the novelty container; and providing instructions on the closure, the instructions requesting or implying the opening of a closure for a novelty purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a individual viewing herself in the container of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

One embodiment includes a novelty container. The container may comprise a storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area. The closure may be removably attached to the container or, alternatively attached via a hinge or other connection mechanism. In one embodiment, the storage area comprises four walls and a bottom. The closure may have instructions instructing or implying the opening of the closure for a novelty purpose. Exemplary instructions include: “Look Inside And You Will Find A Most Beautiful Sight” and “Look Inside And You Will Find The Secret To Your Success.” The container also may have a mirror having at least one reflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror. In another embodiment, the container has a motivational expression having a hidden meaning. An exemplary motivational expression includes “Who is the Fairest One of All.” The hidden meaning of the motivational expression is revealed when the individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror. In lieu of a mirror, in one embodiment, the bottom of the storage area may have a coated reflective surface.

From a top plan view, the shape of the container may be other than square, e.g., round, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, etc. Furthermore, the container may include at the discretion of the manufacturer more than one mirror. In one embodiment, the mirror is mated with the bottom of the storage area at an angle.

The size of the container can vary. In one embodiment, the size of the container is two inches by one inch at the base and one inch in height. In another embodiment, the size of the container is four inches by four inches at the base and four inches in height. The size of each side of the base can vary between ½ inch to 12 inches. The height of the container can vary between ½ inch to 12 inches. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various sized containers having various novelty expressions.

Another embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a novelty container. The method comprises: providing a container having a closure; providing a reflective surface to a bottom of the novelty container; and providing instructions on the closure, the instructions requesting or implying the opening of a closure for a novelty purpose. In one embodiment, a mirror is affixed to a bottom of the container via glue or some other adhesive. In another embodiment, a reflective surface is coated on the bottom of the container.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a storage area;

at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area, wherein the closure has instructions instructing or implying that the storage area be viewed for a novelty purpose; and

a mirror having at least one reflective surface enclosed within the storage area, wherein the reflective surface of the mirror is positioned so as to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container, and wherein the novelty purpose is satisfied when the individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the closure is removably attached to the storage area.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the closure is pivotally attached to the storage area.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage area comprises four walls and a bottom.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container at an angle.

7. A container, comprising:

a storage area;

at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area, wherein the closure has instructions instructing or implying that the storage area be viewed for a novelty purpose; and

a reflective surface enclosed within the storage area, wherein the reflective surface is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the closure is removably attached to the storage area.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein the closure is pivotally attached to the storage area.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the storage area comprises four walls and a bottom.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container.

12. The container of claim 7, wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container at an angle.

13. The container of claim 7, wherein the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the mirror.

14. A method of manufacturing a novelty container, comprising:

providing a container having a closure;

providing a reflective surface to a bottom of the novelty container; and

providing instructions on the closure, the instructions requesting or implying the storage area be viewed for a novelty purpose.

15. A container, comprising:

a storage area;

at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area, wherein the closure has a motivational expression; and

a mirror having at least one reflective surface enclosed within the storage area, wherein the reflective surface of the mirror is positioned so as to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container, and wherein a hidden meaning of the motivational expression is revealed when the individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.