Universal Lipstick Refill Case

Abstract

A universal case for a personal item refill is disclosed, which has a first end with a top surface; a second end removably coupled to the first end, which has a conduit having an inner surface and a lip; a refill having an outer surface that is to be disposed within the inner surface of the second end; and a securing mechanism operable to removably couple the second end to the refill, wherein a rotation of the second end relative to the refill changes the relative disposition of the refill. The securing mechanism can include a plurality of protrusions, magnet(s) and magnetic surfaces, or high-friction surfaces

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/521,002 filed Jul. 6, 2012.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/521,002 filed Jul. 6, 2012, which was the U.S. National Stage submission of PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/020279 filed Jan. 5, 2011, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/683,373 filed Jan. 6, 2010 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,347 on Jul. 3, 2012), which was continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/184,393 filed on Aug. 1, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/953,751 filed on Aug. 14, 2007. The entire disclosures of above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to cosmetic related products and, in particular, to the lipstick cases and related accessories and paraphernalia.

BACKGROUND

Currently available the lipstick tubes comprise a wide variety of sizes and styles. Each manufacturer has its own signature design for its lipstick tubes, generally comprising a base and a cover received thereon. Most the lipstick tubes are metallic or plastic and comprise a simple appearance. Once a lipstick has been used or is no longer needed, the entire the lipstick tube is typically thrown away. Women often desire a more fashionable appearance for their the lipstick tubes and could be persuaded to invest in certain environmentally friendly options.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a universal case for a lipstick refill. While the present disclosure describes a universal case for a lipstick refill, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that such case is adaptable for use with other personal items, including but not limited to other cosmetic or hygiene products.

In accordance with one embodiment, a universal case for a personal item refill is disclosed, which has a first end with a top surface; a second end removably coupled to the first end, which has a conduit having an inner surface and a lip; a refill to be disposed within the inner surface of the second end; and a securing mechanism operable to removably couple the second end to the refill, wherein a rotation of the second end relative to the refill changes the relative disposition of the refill. The securing mechanism can include a plurality of protrusions, magnet(s) and magnetic surfaces, or high-friction surfaces.

One or more of the embodiments disclosed have accessories, including a mirror or a lighting element. The outer surface of the universal case have ornamentation in certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the first end and the second end are of different shape and/or sizes.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the universal cases are designed to be reusable and thus provide an environmentally friendly solution over conventional the lipstick tube systems and methods. The case is also embellished or customized as desired according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Figures, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is made to the following description, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a reusable case for a lipstick refill or other personal item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of the reusable case relative to an insert for the case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates the insert shown in FIG. 2A in an engaged position relative to a second end of the reusable case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of the reusable case in a fully engaged position relative to the insert shown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the insert shown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side plan view of the insert shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method of providing a custom universal case for a lipstick refill according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a reusable case for a lipstick refill or other personal item according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A illustrates a top plan view of the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top plan view of the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the insert and the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the insert and the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of the second end accommodating multiple inserts and channels according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a reusable case for a lipstick refill or other personal item according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12B illustrates a schematic view of the first end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C illustrates a schematic view of the second end according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally provides a universal case for a refill of the lipstick or other personal items. As used herein, a refill means any cartridge, tube, container, or other apparatus used to house, hold, retain, secure, transport, handle, or otherwise engage with, couple to, or be disposed about any suitable material including, for example, the lip balm, the lip gloss, the lip protectant, cream foundation, foundation, cream powder, powder, concealer, cream blush, blush, cream eye shadow, eye shadow, mascara, make-up, perfume, deodorant, touch-up stick, sunscreen, brush, cosmetic item, other suitable materials, liquids, semi-liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels, creams, sprays, grooming devices, personal item, other cosmetic item, or any combination thereof. Further, a refill includes any of the above listed items that are commercially sold and marketed as a stand-alone items unrelated to the reusable case disclosed herein as well as any items designed to be used in conjunction with the reusable case. In some embodiments, the universal case retains or otherwise secures a variety of different the lipsticks, a particular company or brand of the lipstick tubes, any suitable the lipstick tube, refill, related container, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the case is designed to be reusable and thus provide an environmentally friendly solution over conventional the lipstick tube systems and methods. The case is also embellished or customized as desired according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a case 100 for housing a lipstick refill or other personal item according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the case 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the case 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The case 100 includes a first end 102, a second end 104, an accessory 106, an edge 108, and one or more notches 210a (as shown in FIG. 2A) according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the case 100 is used to house, hold, retain, secure, transport, handle, or otherwise engage with, couple to, or be disposed about a personal item such as, for example, a lipstick refill, tube, or related container. In one embodiment, the lipstick refill includes a base and a lipstick color but not necessarily a tube to house the base and/or the lipstick color, or a rotating mechanism to rotate the base.

In various embodiments, the case 100 can be any suitably sized, shaped, or configured case, cover, or housing for the lipstick refills. For example, the case 100 can be a long, short, or medium sized casing. The shape of the case 100 is round, square, hexagonal, concave, convex, hourglass, or other suitably shaped case according to various embodiments.

In one embodiment, the case 100 is used to provide a reusable, removable, and adjustable case for the personal item. For example, manufacturers can provide the lipstick refills suitable for use with the case 100 instead of manufacturing and selling an entire the lipstick tube having a case, the lipstick applicator, and twist-up mechanism. In other examples, manufacturers can provide the lipstick refills with cheaper or lower quality tubes or cases (e.g., refills with a non-rotatable base) suitable for use with a more elegantly packaged and fully functional the case 100.

In one embodiment, the lipstick refill is any suitably sized, shaped, or configured object. For example, the lipstick refill can be a long, short, or medium sized casing. The lipstick refill is round, square, hexagonal, concave, convex, hour-glass, or other suitably shaped object according to various embodiments.

In one embodiment, the first end 102 and the second end 104 are configured to removably couple to or dispose about respective ends of a container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. When properly installed, the case 100 is used to control the lipstick container housed within the case 100 according to one embodiment. For example, the second end 104 may be coupled to or disposed about a first end of a lipstick refill (e.g., the part of the lipstick refill generally used to hold or retain the lipstick or applicator), while the first end 102 is coupled to another end of the same the lipstick refill. Accordingly, a user can, for example, simply twist the second end 104 the case 100 to operate a standard twist-operated (or twist-up) the lipstick refill properly housed in the case 100. For example, a rotation of the second end 104 relative to the lipstick changes a relative disposition of the lipstick refill within the second end 104.

The case 100, the first end 102, and the second end 104 can be made of the same materials, different materials, or a combination thereof. For example, the case 100, parts of the case 100, the first end 102, and the second end 104 may be made of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, silicone, nylon, leather, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, plastic, metal, glass, polymer, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the case 100, parts of the case 100, the first end 102, and the second end 104 are treated, coated, or embellished with a finish, paint, metallic material, plastic, emblem, feature, rubber, silicone, logo, trademark, decorative item, lacquer, engraving, color, ergonomic feature, structural jewel, semi-precious stone, diamond, gold, silver, platinum, stone, ceramic, mirror, light, light emitting diode (LED), magnifying glass, magnet, handle, retaining device, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, accessory 106 includes one or more of any suitable accessory such as, for example, a magnifying glass, brush, brush attachment, magnet, light, mirror, lighted mirror, blotting papers, writing utensil, key chain, any other suitable accessory, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that the case 100 may include other removable or permanent elements as decorative or functional accessories attached to, removably attached to, or generally associated with the case 100. In addition, accessory 106 may be any suitably sized, shaped, or configured accessory located on the case 100 as shown in FIG. 1 or in any suitable location on or associated with the case 100.

In various embodiments, the edge 108 includes a rigid or semi-rigid structure having a tapered or non-tapered the edge configured to couple with an open end of the first end 102. In one embodiment, the edge 108 includes a seal-like structure (e.g., a rubber seal, overlay, or other structure) between the first end 102 and the second end 104 when in an engaged position. Although the edge 108 is shown in a particular configuration in FIG. 1 (and more particularly shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C), it should be understood that the edge 108 may include any suitably sized, shaped, or configured structure to couple with an open end of the first end 102. In addition, the edge 108 may be made of the same material or combination of materials used for the second end 104, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are exploded and perspective views of some embodiments of the second end 104 and the insert 202. FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the case 100 relative to the insert 202. FIG. 2B is an illustration of one embodiment of the insert 202 in a partially engaged position relative to the second end 104. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the case 100 shown with the insert 202 in a fully engaged position. The second end 104 and the insert 202 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the second end 104 and the insert 202 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, for example, the case 100 and the second end 104 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C include each feature described above and further include a flange or the lip 204 and one or more notches such as notch 210a.

In some embodiments, the lip 204 includes a rigid or semi-rigid structure having a tapered or non-tapered the edge configured to couple with an open end of the first end 102. In one embodiment, the lip 204 includes a seal-like structure (e.g., a rubber seal, overlay, or other structure) between the first end 102 and the second end 104 when in an engaged position. Although the lip 204 is shown in a particular configuration in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the lip 204 may include any suitably sized, shaped, or configured structure to couple with an open end of the first end 102. In some embodiments, the lip 204 is made of the same material or combination of materials used for the second end 104, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the insert 202 is a semi-rigid structure having a tapered or non-tapered body configured to couple with the interior surface of the second end 104. In one embodiment, the insert 202 provides a removable (or permanent) liner-like structure for the case 100 disposed between an external surface of the insert 202 and an internal surface of the second end 104. In some embodiments, the insert 202 is suitably shaped, sized, and configured to aid in retaining, securing, or otherwise disposing a lipstick refill within the second end 104.

The insert 202 may be of any thickness (T) or any suitably sized, shaped, or configured structure to couple with an interior surface of the second end 104. For example, FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the insert 202, while FIG. 4 is side plan view of the insert 202 shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the size and shape of the insert 202 is customized to help accommodate different sized and shaped the lipstick refills within the case 100.

In various embodiment, the insert 202 is made of any suitable material including, for example, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, silicone, nylon, leather, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, plastic, metal, glass, polymer, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the insert 202 includes protrusions 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206f (collectively referred to herein as protrusions 206), top the edge 208a, bottom the edge 208b, and grooves 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d (collectively referred to herein as grooves 212), as generally shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4.

In some embodiments, protrusions 206 are dome-shaped, dimple-like structures having a convex portion on an internal surface of the insert 202. The convex portions of protrusions 206 include semi-rigid structures in certain embodiments that aid in retaining a particular disposition of, for example, a lipstick refill disposed within the second end 104. In one embodiment, the convex portion of protrusions 206 is made of rubber or other material to provide a suitable amount of friction to a lipstick refill or an associated tube when disposed within the second end 104. The size and shape of protrusions 206 are customized to help accommodate different sized and shaped the lipstick refills within the case 100. In one embodiment, protrusions 206 include complementary concave portions on an external surface of the insert 202 for each convex portion described above as generally shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4.

Although FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4 illustrate six protrusions 206 on the insert 202, it should be understood that any suitable number of protrusions may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. The insert 202 and protrusions 206 are made of any suitable material or combination of materials including, for example, silicone, rubber, semi-rigid, pliable material, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, grooves 212 mate with one or more notches 210a (shown in, for example, FIG. 2A). Grooves 212 include a dome-shaped, dimple-like structure having a convex portion on an external surface of the insert 202 according to some embodiments. In one embodiment, the convex portions of grooves 212 include semi-rigid structures that aid in retaining a particular disposition of, for example, the insert 202 within the second end 104 by mating with or otherwise disposing within one of grooves 212 (for example, groove 212b) with notch 210a (as generally shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C). It should be understood that although only one notch 210a is shown in FIG. 2A, any suitable number, size, shape, or configuration of notch 210a (and any pairings between a notch 210a and groove 212) may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. In other embodiments, other similar mechanisms are used in lieu of or in combination with notch 210a and groove 212. For example, in one embodiment, notch 210a is located on an external surface of the insert 202, while groove 212 is located on an internal surface of the case 100.

In one embodiment, a convex portion of grooves 212 is made of rubber or other material to maintain a relative position between the insert 202 and an internal surface of the second end 104. In one embodiment, grooves 212 include complementary concave portions on an internal surface of the insert 202 for each convex portion described above as generally shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, and 4.

Accordingly, the case 100 provides a reusable, removable, and adjustable “case” to securely house a personal item such as, for example, a lipstick refill. For example, as generally shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, when the insert 202 is in a fully engaged position within the second end 104, the disposition of the insert 202 is maintained in part by a mating disposition between notch 210a and groove 212b. Similarly, when a lipstick refill is properly positioned within the second end 104, the disposition of the lipstick refill is maintained in part by a mating disposition between a convex portion of protrusions 206 with an external surface of the lipstick refill.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating method 500 of providing a custom universal case for a lipstick refill according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that method 500 shown in FIG. 5 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable method or sub-method may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of method 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the steps and sub-steps of method 500 may be performed in any suitable order.

In step 502, the size and shape of the lipstick refill and any associated the lipstick tube are assessed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Depending on the data collected in step 502, the size and shape of an insert such as, for example, the insert 202 shown in FIG. 2A, or protrusions on the insert such as, for example, protrusions 206 sown in FIG. 3, are changed or altered to accommodate the lipstick refill and any associated the lipstick tube within a universal case such as, for example, the case 100 shown in FIG. 1.

As an example, the size or shape of the insert 202 is changed in step 504 to provide a fully engaged position within the second end 104. As another example, the mating disposition between a convex portion of protrusions 206 with an external surface of the lipstick refill is changed to provide better retention and placement of the lipstick refill within the second end 104. In step 506, the color, size, dimension, shape, and associated accessories and embellishments for the case 100 are customized according to specifications from the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, marketing group, customer, end user, other suitable entity or person, or any combination thereof. For example, the case 100 could be customized in step 506 to include certain shapes, configurations, finishes, paints, metallic materials, plastics, rubbers, silicones, lacquers, engravings, colors, emblems, logos, trademarks, ergonomic features, structural features, decorative items, jewels, semi-precious stones, diamonds, gold, silver, platinum, stones, ceramics, mirrors, lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), magnifying glasses, magnets, handles, retaining devices, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, method 500 could provide a method of providing a custom reusable, removable, and adjustable the case 100 to securely house a personal item such as, for example, a lipstick refill according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the case 100 could include functional as well as decorative features as desired by the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, marketing group, customer, end user, other suitable entity or person, or any combination thereof.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments of reusable case 600, 650 for a lipstick refill or other personal item that has a first end 602, 652 that is of different size and/or shape than the second end 604, 654. First end 602, 652 is removably coupled to the second end 604, 654 by various means, including magnets, high-friction surface, grooves, notches, or threading according to various embodiments. First end 602, 652 may be of any suitable shape, including square, hexagon, other polygon, concave, convex, stars, letters of the alphabet, or logos. Alternatively, the first end 602, 652 can be of a decorative figure as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Similarly, though the second end 604 is shown as a round cylinder in FIG. 6A, it may also be of any suitable shape as shown in FIG. 6B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate top view of the second end 704, 754 according to some embodiments that have a second end of various shapes. In some embodiments, the first end is the same shape—e.g., hexagonal shape to match the second end 754 or star-shaped to match the second end 704. In other embodiments, the first end is of a different shape than the second end as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In some embodiments, the inner surface 710, 760 of the second end 704, 754 is shaped differently than the outer surface. This is advantageous in receiving a lipstick refill or other personal items that are of more often cylindrical in shape while maintaining an option of a variety of outer surface shape for the reusable case.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate some embodiments of the second end 800, 850 with protrusions 804, 806, 808, 810 that are of different size relative to each other. The protrusions are disposed within the inner surface 804, 854 of the second end. In some embodiments, the protrusions are disposed in the order of increasing (FIG. 8A) or decreasing (FIG. 8B) size. This may be advantageous in accommodating the lipstick refills or other personal items of different size (e.g., different diameter). For example, a lip liner pencil produced by Manufacturer A (“refill A”) may have a relatively narrow diameter compared to other the lipsticks on the market. In one embodiment, refill A pushed down into the second end 800 until it engages a set of protrusions, for example 810, that matches its diameter. Conversely, a lipstick refill produced by Manufacturer B with a relatively wide diameter would be pushed down into the second end 800 until it engages a set of smaller protrusions, for example 806. Yet, another lipstick refill produced by Manufacturer C might have a varying diameter along the length of the tube (e.g., an hourglass shape). In such cases, as that illustrated in FIG. 8B, the second end 800 is capable of secure along the full length of the refill.

The protrusions 804, 806, 808, 810 can be of any suitable size or shape to accommodate the lipstick refill or other personal items according to the application. For example, in some embodiment, the protrusions are dome-shaped as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4. In other embodiments, the protrusions are O-rings, which provide more surface area that is in contact with the refill. O-rings of varying diameters and thicknesses are arranged in concentric manner in some embodiments. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 8B, the O-rings may be of same thickness but different diameter. In some embodiments, the protrusions—regardless the type or shape—are on the surface of the insert. In other embodiments, the protrusions are directly on the inner surface of the second end.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate some embodiments of the reusable case 900, 1000 with different ways of securing the refill within the second end 902, 1002 other than using protrusions. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment where both or either the inner surface 904 of the second end 902 and/or the outer surface 952 of the refill 950 are high-friction surfaces. As used herein, high friction means any amount of frictional force higher than that provided by the outer surface of the refill. For example, in one embodiment, the inner surface 904 is rubberized to frictionally hold the refill 950 in place. In another embodiment, the refill 950 is a tube of the lipstick ordinarily sold on the market with a smooth, plastic casing. Such refill 950 can be surface treated to make it frictionally couple to the second end 902 of the reusable case. In one embodiment, the surface treatment is spraying the refill outer surface 952 with high-friction material (such as rubber). In another embodiment, a user can apply a prefabricated sheet of rubber with adhesives on the back surface, wherein the adhesive couples to the outer surface 952 of the refill. These embodiments may be advantageous in providing a user a way to precisely control the thickness of the high-friction surface so that the diameter of the surface-treated refill 950 is capable of accommodation within the inner surface 904 of the second end 902.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the reusable case where the refill 1050 is magnetically coupled to the second end 1002. The second end 1002 has one or more magnets 1008 disposed on the inner surface 1004 (for example, on the inner bottom surface 1006). In other embodiments, the entire inner surface 1004 or a different portion of the inner surface 1004 may be magnetic (not shown). In one embodiment, the refill 1050 is manufactured with a built-in magnet 1010 of opposite polarity than the magnet 1008 of the second end 1002. In another embodiment, one or more magnets 1010 of opposite polarity than the magnet 1008 are provided to users to attach to any the lipstick refill 1050 of their choice. In certain embodiments where the lipstick refill 1050 outer surface is made of metal or magnetic surface, no refill magnets 1010 may be needed because the already-magnetic surface of the refill 1050 would couple to the magnet 1008 of the second end 1002.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of the reusable case where a plurality of receiving channels 1102, 1104 are disposed within the case 1100. The channels may be used to receive two different colors of the lipstick refills any other personal items, including the lip balm, the lip gloss, the lip protectant, cream foundation, foundation, cream powder, powder, concealer, cream blush, blush, cream eye shadow, eye shadow, mascara, make-up, perfume, deodorant, touch-up stick, sunscreen, brush, cosmetic item, other suitable materials, liquids, semi-liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels, creams, sprays, grooming devices, personal item, or other cosmetic item. In one embodiment, the channels 1102, 1104 are similarly sized (as shown in FIG. 11A). In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the second end 1105 have one or more receiving channels 1152, 1154 that are of different size and/or shape.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate embodiments of the reusable case 1200 with one or more accessories. For example, a mirror 1206 is disposed on the top surface of the first end 1202. This may be advantageous when applying the lipstick or other make-up items. The case 1200 also has one or more lighting elements 1212a, 1212b, 1212c, 1212d (collectively lighting element 1212) in certain embodiments. The lighting element 1212 can be incandescent, fluorescent, light emitting diode (LED), or any other means capable of illuminating. The lighting elements 1212c, 1212d are placed on the lip of the second end 1204 in one embodiment so that the light will be oriented towards the subject (e.g., user applying the lipstick). In another embodiment, the lighting elements 1212a, 1212b are placed around or behind the mirror 1256 to provide light directed to the subject (e.g., user looking at the mirror).

In some embodiments, the lighting elements 1212 are coupled to one or more switches 1214a, 1214b that activate or deactivate the lighting element 1212. In alternative embodiments, the lighting element 1212 turns on automatically when the first end 1202 is removed from the second end 1204. In some embodiments, the lighting elements 1212 are coupled to one or more power sources 1216a, 1216b, such as a battery. The battery can be a primary (disposable) battery or a secondary (rechargeable) battery. The use of any other suitable power source 1216a, 1216b that is sufficient to deliver electrical power to the lighting elements 1212 are within the scope of this disclosure. In certain embodiments, the lighting elements 1212 or the power source 1216a, 1216b are coupled to a timer device that automatically shuts off the power to the lighting element 1212 after a set period of time.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, or omitting features of the embodiments are also within the scope of the disclosure.

In order to assist the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant wishes to note that the Applicant: (a) does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6) of 35 U.S.C. section 112 as it exists on the date of the filing hereof unless the words “means for” or “step for” are specifically used in the particular claims; and (b) does not intend, by any statement in the specification, to limit this invention in any way that is not otherwise reflected in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal case for a personal item refill, the universal case comprising:

a) a first end comprising a top surface;

b) a second end removably coupled to the first end comprising a conduit having an inner surface and a lip;

c) a refill having an outer surface and operable to be disposed within the inner surface of the second end; and

d) a securing mechanism operable to removably couple the second end to the refill, wherein a rotation of the second end relative to the refill changes the relative disposition of the refill.

2. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the second end is generally cylindrical in shape.

3. The universal case of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the first end and the second end comprises ornamentation.

4. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the first end is a different shape than the second end.

5. The universal case of claim 1, where in the securing mechanism comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed along the inner surface of the second end.

6. The universal case of claim 2, where in the plurality of protrusions comprises protrusions of different sizes arranged in ascending order of size along the length of the second end.

7. The universal case of claim 2, where in the plurality of protrusions comprises protrusions of different sizes arranged in descending order of size along the length of the second end.

8. The universal case of claim 1, where in the securing mechanism comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet is disposed on the inner surface of the second end and the second magnet is disposed on the outer surface of the refill.

9. The universal case of claim 1, where in the securing mechanism comprises a first magnet and a magnetic surface, wherein the first magnet is disposed on the inner surface of the second end and the outer surface of the refill comprises the magnetic surface.

10. The universal case of claim 1, where in the securing mechanism comprises a high-friction surface.

11. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of receiving channels for a plurality of refills.

12. The universal case of claim 9, wherein a first receiving channel is of different size than a second receiving channel.

13. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the first end further comprises a mirror.

14. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the first end further comprises a lighting element.

15. The universal case of claim 14, wherein the first end further comprises a switch and a power source.

16. The universal case of claim 1, wherein the second end further comprises a lighting element.

17. The universal case of claim 14, wherein the second end further comprises a switch and a power source.