Brush Palette

Abstract

A brush palette for aiding in the mixing and application of products such as makeup in a hygienic, clean, and efficient manner. The brush palette generally includes a case which includes a base and a hingedly-secured lid. The base includes a cavity which is adapted to store and retain a stack of trays. The lid includes a window which is adapted to allow access to the top-most tray of the stack of trays within the base. Each tray includes a receptacle into which one or more products, such as makeup or cosmetic products, may be dispensed for mixing or application to a device such as a cosmetic brush.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a palette and more specifically it relates to a brush palette for aiding in the mixing and application of products such as makeup in a hygienic, clean, and efficient manner.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Often times, makeup and cosmetic products are packaged in very small containers that have limited-sized openings. This existing configuration of product containers may present problems for a user, such as when the brush being used to apply the product is larger than the opening of the container holding the product. Further, when mixing products (such as two shades of makeup), a user will often have to transfer the products onto the back of his/her hand, or onto a plate or other surface, for mixing. This can lead to messes, stains, wasted product, or unhygienic situations.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved brush palette for aiding in the mixing and application of products such as makeup in a hygienic, clean, and efficient manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a brush palette which includes a case which includes a base and a hingedly-secured lid. The base includes a cavity which is adapted to store and retain a stack of trays. The lid includes a window which is adapted to allow access to the top-most tray of the stack of trays within the base. Each tray includes a receptacle into which one or more products, such as makeup or cosmetic products, may be dispensed for mixing or application to a device such as a cosmetic brush.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a tray of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of a tray of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a tray of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a tray of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a stack of trays being aligned for insertion into the case of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with two different products positioned within its receptacle.

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the present invention after mixing the two different products within the receptacle.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a brush palette 10, which comprises a case 20 which includes a base 21 and a hingedly-secured lid 30. The base 21 includes a cavity 26 which is adapted to store and retain a stack of trays 40. The lid 30 includes a window 35 which is adapted to allow access to the top-most tray 40 of the stack of trays 40 within the base 21. Each tray 40 includes a receptacle 47 into which one or more products 12, 13, such as makeup or cosmetic products, may be dispensed for mixing or application to a device such as a cosmetic brush.

B. Case.

As shown throughout the figures, the present invention includes a case 20 which is adapted to store and position trays 40 for use in mixing or aiding in the application of products 12, 13 such as makeup or the like. The shape, style, configuration, and dimensions of the case 20 may vary in different embodiments and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the case 20 comprises a base 21 and a hingedly-connected lid 30. The base 21 of the case 20 includes an upper end 22, a lower end 23, a front end 24, and a rear end 25. The upper end 22 of the base 21 includes a cavity 26 for storing the trays 40 of the present invention. The lower end 23 of the base 21 rests on a surface when the present invention is in use. The rear end 25 of the base 21 of the case 20 is hingedly connected to the lid 30 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cavity 26 is formed within the base 21 to store the trays 40 of the present invention. The shape, size, orientation, and depth of the cavity 26 will vary in different embodiments of the present invention. The cavity 26 will preferably be sized similarly to the trays 40 being stored therein so that the trays 40 are snugly positioned within the base 21 in a manner such that they do not shift around during transport of the case 20. Preferably, the cavity 26 will be adapted to store a number of trays 40 for use, with a preferred embodiment being adapted to store at least twenty-five such trays 40. The front end 24 of the base 21 of the case 20 will preferably include a base locking member 27 which is adapted to removably engage with a corresponding lid locking member 36 on the lid 30 to removably secure the lid 30 over the base 21. Various types of base locking members 27 may be utilized so long as they may removably engage with the lid locking member 36. For example and without limitation, clasps, locks, snaps, slides, and the like may be utilized for the base locking member 27. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the base locking member 27 may be located at various positions other than the front end 24 of the base 21, such as either of its sides. As shown throughout the figures, the case 20 includes a lid 30 which is hingedly connected to the base 21 of the case 20. The lid 30 may comprise various shapes, sizes, styles, configurations, and dimensions, and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. The lid 30 will generally include an upper end 31, a lower end 32, a front end 33, and a rear end 34.

The upper end 31 of the lid 30 includes a window 35 through which the top tray 40 of the stack of trays 40 within the cavity 26 of the base 21 of the case 20 may be accessed. The window 35 will generally comprise a cutout formed in the upper end 31 of the lid 30 to allow access to the underlying trays 40. The shape, size, configuration, and orientation of the window 35 may vary in different embodiments and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures.

The lower end 32 of the lid 30 rests on the upper end 22 of the base 21 of the case 20 when the case 20 is closed. The front end 33 of the lid 30 may include a lid locking member 36 to removably interconnect with the base locking member 27. Various types of lid locking members 36 may be utilized so long as they may removably engage with the base locking member 27. For example and without limitation, clasps, locks, snaps, slides, and the like may be utilized for the lid locking member 36. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the lid locking member 36 may be located at various positions other than the front end 33 of the base 30, such as either of its sides.

The rear end 34 of the lid 30 is generally hingedly connected to the rear end 25 of the base 21 of the case 20. As shown throughout the figures, the rear end 34 of the lid 30 may thus include one or more hinges 37 which connect it with the rear end 25 of the base 21 of the case 20. The positioning, number, and type of hinges 37 utilized may vary in different embodiments of the present invention.

C. Trays.

As shown throughout the figures, the case 20 is adapted to store, retain, and position for use a plurality of trays 40 within the cavity 26 of its base 21. The trays 40 will generally be stacked within the cavity 26 of the base 21 of the case 20. Each tray 40 includes a receptacle 47 on its upper surface which is adapted to retain, mix, and aid in dispensing products 12, 13 such as makeup. The shape, size, positioning, orientation, and depth of the receptacle 47 may vary in different embodiments. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the receptacle 47 comprises an oval shape.

The trays 40 are configured for stacking as shown throughout the figures. Each tray 40 will generally comprise a base 43 and a raised platform 45 extending upwardly from the base 43, with the receptacle 47 being formed within the raised platform 45 as shown in the figures. The lower end of the base 43 includes a lower flange 44 which is adapted to extend around an upper flange 46 positioned around the platform 45 (the platform 45 being defined by the raised upper flange 46). Thus, when stacked, the platform 45 of the lower tray 40 will fit within the base 43 of the upper tray 40, with the lower flange 44 of the upper tray 40 extending around the upper flange 46 of the lower tray 40.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

In use, the case 20 may first be opened to insert a plurality of trays 40 within the cavity 26 of the base 21. The lid 30 is unlocked from the base 21 of the case 20 by disengaging the base locking member 27 and/or lid locking member 36. Using the hinges 37, the lid 30 may be swung open to expose the underlying cavity 26 of the base 21 of the case 20.

With the lid 30 opened, the trays 40 may be stacked within the base 21 of the case 20. The trays 40 are stacked on top of each other as shown in FIG. 5. When so stacked, the raised platform 45 of each underlying tray 40 will fit within the base 43 of the overlying tray 40. Further, the receptacles 47 will similarly stack, with the protrusion of the receptacle 47 extending downwardly from an overlying tray 40 fitting within the receptacle 47 of the underlying tray 40 as shown in FIG. 9.

With the trays 40 stacked and stored within the base 21 of the case 20, the lid 30 may be closed and locked using the locking members 27, 36. The present invention is now ready for use. Products 12, 13 such as makeup may be dispensed into the receptacle 47 of the top tray 40 through the window 35 of the lid 30. The present invention aids with mixing such products 12, 13. A first product 12, such as a first shade of makeup, may be placed within the receptacle 47 along with a second product 13, such as a second shade of makeup. The two products 12, 13 may then be mixed within the receptacle prior to being applied to a brush or other cosmetic device for use.

When finished, the lid 30 may again be opened and the top tray 40 removed and disposed. The lid 30 may then be closed again, with a new tray 40 being at the top position in the stack ready for use.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. A brush palette, comprising:

a case including a base and a lid;

a plurality of trays stacked within said base of said case, each of said plurality of trays including a receptacle for receiving one or more products; and

a window formed within said lid, said window providing access to a topmost tray of said plurality of trays.

2. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein said lid is hingedly secured to said base.

3. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein said base includes a base locking member.

4. The brush palette of claim 3, wherein said lid includes a lid locking member.

5. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein said base includes a cavity, wherein said plurality of trays are stacked within said cavity.

6. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein each of said trays comprises a base and a platform extending upwardly from said base.

7. The brush palette of claim 6, wherein each of said bases of said trays includes a lower flange.

8. The brush palette of claim 7, wherein each of said platforms of said trays includes an upper flange.

9. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is comprised of an oval shape.

10. The brush palette of claim 1, wherein said cavity is adapted to store at least 20 of said trays.

11. A brush palette, comprising:

a case, wherein said case comprises a base and a lid hingedly-connected to said base;

a plurality of trays stacked within a cavity of said base of said case, each of said plurality of trays including a receptacle for receiving one or more products; and

a window formed within said lid, said window providing access to a topmost tray of said plurality of trays.

12. The brush palette of claim 11, wherein said one or more products comprise makeup products.

13. The brush palette of claim 11, wherein said one or more products comprise a first product and a second product.

14. The brush palette of claim 13, wherein said first product is mixed with said second product within said receptacle.

15. The brush palette of claim 11, wherein said base includes a base locking member and wherein said lid includes a lid locking member.

16. The brush palette of claim 11, wherein each of said trays comprises a base and a platform extending upwardly from said base.

17. The brush palette of claim 16, wherein each of said bases of said trays includes a lower flange.

18. The brush palette of claim 17, wherein each of said platforms of said trays includes an upper flange.

19. The brush palette of claim 18, wherein said receptacle is comprised of an oval shape.

20. The brush palette of claim 11, wherein said cavity is adapted to store at least 20 of said trays.