COSMETIC CARRYING CASE AND APPLICATOR

Abstract

A cosmetic carrying case and applicator is described. The cosmetic carrying case and application includes a pod connected to a base. The pod has a receiving surface located on an underside of the pod. Lip balm or another type of cosmetic material is contained within the receiving surface located on the underside of the pod. At least two sides of the pod act as finger grips for the user to grip in order to remove the pod from the base and to apply the lip balm or other cosmetic material. The pod acts as a surface for the lip balm or cosmetic material and applicator. The cosmetic carrying case can be adhered or otherwise attached to another object such as a wallet or cellular phone for easy access by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional patent application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,768, which was filed on Apr. 27, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a cosmetic container, particularly a cosmetic carrying case and applicator which holds and applies a lip balm or another cosmetic material. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator includes an upper component and a lower component, whereby the upper component and the lower component connect together to form a compact thin unit. The compact thin unit cosmetic carrying case and applicator is attachable to a flat surface.

BACKGROUND

Lip balms have long been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. When applied to an individual's lips prior to exposure to sun, wind, dry heat, or other extreme conditions, the lip balm can provide protection to the skin on and around the lips.

Typically, the lip balm consists of a semi-solid wax material, in a stick form, that is contained within a tube. A mechanism on the tube is twisted or otherwise moved to project and retract the lip balm stick from, and back into, the tube. The end of the tube from which the lip balm stick is projected typically has a detachable cap. The problem with this system is that it takes two hands to apply the lip balm. One hand is needed to operate the twist mechanism to project the lip balm from the tube, and the other to hold the tube. Additionally, there is the problem of the cap, which must be removed and held, or placed to the side, prior to applying the lip balm further complicating one handed application, and creating the scenario for a lost cap. Many other types of cosmetics, other than lip gloss, present their own challenges in using and storing the cosmetic case.

In light of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a cosmetic container in a form that allows the user to apply lip balm or any other type of cosmetic material while only using one hand. Additionally, it would be desirable for the cosmetic container to be in a compact form, wherein the cosmetic container can be stored by attaching the cosmetic container to a flat surface such as the back of a cellular phone or a wallet or another type of object.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, one or more embodiments are provided below for a cosmetic carrying case and applicator. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator includes a pod and a base. The pod has a top surface on one side and an underside on a side opposite from the top side. Located on the underside of the pod is a receiving surface. The receiving surface on the underside of the pod is recessed on the underside of the pod, wherein the receiving surface is configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material. The base has a back surface on one side and an interior cavity on a side opposite from the back surface. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the back surface of the base is flat, wherein the flat base surface of the base is configured to be attachable to the back surface of a cellular phone or any other type of object, such as, but not limited to, a wallet or purse or briefcase. The flat back surface of the base may further include an adhesive layer.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the pod is configured to be removably connected to the base. The pod is configured to be orientated face down onto the base such that the receiving surface of the pod is orientated to be facing the interior cavity of the base when the pod is connected to the base. The pod includes one or more locking notch, and the base includes one or more locking catch. The one or more locking notch of the pod engages with the one or more locking catch of the base when the pod is connected to the base, wherein the connection of the one or more locking notch of the pod and the one or more locking catch of the base secures the pod to the base. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the pod and base include one or more magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction of the magnets within the pod and the base secure the pod to the base when the pod is connected to the base.

The present description may further include one or more embodiments, wherein the pod has at least two parallel sides configured to act as finger grips for a user to grasp the pod. The user grasps the pod to detach the pod from the base and apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod. In one or more non-limit embodiments, the one or more additional sides of the pod and the base have a curved shape. The one or more additional sides of the pod connect to the at least two parallel sides.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the top surface of the pod is flat, wherein the pod further includes a ring secured to the flat top surface of the pod. The ring is configured to be grasped by a user to apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material located on the receiving surface of the pod directly while holding the pod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pod component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pod shown in FIG. 2 with a cosmetic material included in the pod according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pod component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the pod shown in FIG. 2 and the base shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator attached to the back surface of a cellular phone.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator attached to a surface of a wallet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises”, and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “front”, “back”, “right,” and “left” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

The present description includes one or more non-limiting embodiments for a cosmetic container, particularly a cosmetic container which holds and applies lip balm or another cosmetic material. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed invention is a cosmetic carrying case and applicator. The carrying case and applicator is comprised of a pod and a base. The pod is configured to be a removable lid that connects to the base and the base is configured to receive and connect to the removable pod. The pod is further configured to be oriented face down onto the base such that an underside of the pod is oriented to be facing an interior cavity of the base when the pod is connected to the base.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, recessed within the underside of the pod is a receiving surface configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material. The pod comprises at least two parallel sides configured to act as finger grips for a user to grasp the pod and apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the pod further includes a ring secured to a back surface of the pod, wherein the ring is configured to be grasped by a user to apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the cosmetic carrying case and applicator are made of a plastic material, or another synthetic or semi-synthetic material. It is noted that any other type of material may be used to make the cosmetic carrying case and applicator in addition to or other than plastic.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a is a pictorial illustration of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator according to one non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example of the cosmetic carry case and applicator 100. FIGS. 1-3 show one exemplary design for cosmetic carrying case and applicator 100 while FIGS. 4-6 show another exemplary design for cosmetic carrying case and applicator 200. The cosmetic carry case and applicator 100 includes a pod 110 and a base 120, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The pod 110 is configured to function as a removable lid that connects to the base 120. The pod 110 includes a top surface that is flat, in one or more non-limiting embodiments. In other embodiments, the top surface may be curved or angled or any other shape as desired. The top surface of the pod 110 is on an opposite side from an underside of the pod (as shown in FIG. 2). The base 120 is configured to receive and connect to the removable pod 110. The base 120 includes a back surface (not shown) which is flat. The back surface of the base 120 is configured to be attachable to any preferably flat surface, such as the back of cellular phone or a wallet, as shown in FIGS. 8-9. In other embodiments, the back surface of the base 120 may be curved or another shape in order to be attached to objects that have a non-flat surface.

Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pod component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an example of the pod 110 facing upwards. In actual use, when the pod 110 is connected to the base 120 of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator 100, the pod 110 would be facing downwards such that the receiving surface 112 shown in FIG. 2 faces an interior cavity 123, as shown in FIG. 4, of the base 120, which is demonstrated in the exploded view shown in FIG. 8.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the pod 110 is comprised of four sides 130, 131, 132, and 133. In a non-limiting embodiment, at least two sides are parallel (i.e., sides 130, 132 as shown in FIG. 2) and are configured to act as finger grips 111. The finger grips 111 allow a user to grasp the pod 110 and to apply a lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod 110. Located on exterior surface of each of the remaining two sides 131, 133 of the pod 110 is a locking notch 113. The locking notch 113 engages with a locking catch 121 (as shown in FIG. 4) of the base 120. Once engaged, the locking notch 113 secures the pod 110 to the base 120.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, a receiving surface 112 is located on an underside of the pod 110. The receiving surface 112 is recessed in the underside of the pod 110 wherein the receiving surface 112 is configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material. The pod 110 is configured to be oriented face down onto the base 120 such that the receiving surface 112 of the pod 110 is oriented to be facing an interior cavity 123 (as shown in FIG. 4) of the base 120 when the pod 110 is connected to the base.

Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pod shown in FIG. 2 with lip balm included in the pod according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of the pod 110 facing upwards, wherein the pod 110 contains lip balm 114. In actual use, when the pod 110 is connected to the base 120 of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator 100, the pod 110 would be facing downwards such that the lip balm 114 faces an interior cavity 123, as shown in FIG. 4, of the base 120. A user grasps the pod 110 with one hand using the finger grips 111 to remove the pod 110 from the base 120 in order to apply the lip balm 114, shown in FIG. 4, that has been filled in the receiving surface 112 of the pod 110. In one or more non-limiting embodiment, the lip balm 114 is replaceable with another cosmetic material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base component of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator according to one non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of the base 120. The base 120 includes four sides, wherein at least two sides are parallel and configured to be receiving slots 122 for the finger grips 111 of the pod 110. Located on the interior surface of each of the remaining two sides of the base 120 are a locking catch 121. Even though FIG. 4 only shows one example of a locking catch 121, there may be a locking catch 121 on each opposite side. Each locking catch 121 captures the respective locking notch 113 of the pod 110 wherein the locking catch 121 secures the pod 110 to the base 120 when the pod 110 is connected to the base 120.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the body 120 is comprised of an interior cavity 123. The interior cavity 123 of the base 120 is oriented to face the receiving surface 112 of the pod 110 when the pod 110 is attached to the base 120. The interior cavity 123 of the base 120 of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be empty and is meant to receive the receiving surface 112 of the pod 110 when the pod 110 is attached to the base 120.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration of another design for a cosmetic carrying case and applicator 200 according to one non-limiting embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of the cosmetic carry case and applicator 200. The cosmetic carry case and applicator 200 includes a pod 210 and a base 220. The pod 210 is configured to function as a removable lid that connects to the base 220. The pod 210 is comprised of a top surface that is flat in some non-limiting embodiments, wherein the top surface is on an opposite side from an underside of the pod 210 (as shown in FIG. 5) The base 220 is configured to receive and connect to the removably pod 210. The base 210 is comprised of back surface (not shown) which is flat. The back surface is configured to be attachable to any flat surface such as a cellular phone or a wallet. In other embodiments, the back surface of the base 220 may not be flat and may be curved or have any other shape. Further, the back surface of the base 220 may be attachable to any shaped object, even if that object is not flat.

Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pod component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows an example of the pod 210. The pod 210 includes sides, wherein at least two sides are parallel, and the remaining sides are curved in shape. The two parallel sides are configured to act as finger grips 212. The finger grips 212 allow a user to grasp the pod 210 to remove the pod from the base 220 and to apply a lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod 210. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the pod 210 has an underside. Located on the underside of the pod 210 is a receiving surface 211. The receiving surface 211 is recessed in the underside of the pod 210 wherein the receiving surface 211 is configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material. Additional, located on the underside of the pod 210 are one or more magnets 213. As shown in FIG. 6, the magnets 213 are centrally placed on the same side as the finger grips 212, but in other embodiments, the magnets 213 may be arranged differently. The magnets 213 are magnetically attracted to magnets 213 located within in the base 220. The pod 210 is configured to be oriented face down onto the base 220 such that the receiving surface 211 and magnets 213 of the pod 210 are oriented to be facing an interior cavity 223 (as shown in FIG. 7) and magnets 213 of the base 220 when the pod 210 is connected to the base.

Referring now to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base component of the cosmetic carrying case and applicator shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example of the base 220. The base 220 includes sides, wherein at least two sides are parallel, and the remaining are curved sides 221. The two parallel sides are configured to be receiving slots for the finger grips 212 of the pod 210. Located within the parallel sides are a raised portion 222. The raised portions 222 contains one or more magnets 213. The magnets 213 are magnetically attracted to magnets 213 located within in the pod 210.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the body 220 is comprised of an interior cavity 223. The interior cavity 223 is positioned recessed in between the raised portions 222 of the parallel sides and the curved sides 221 of the base 220. The interior cavity 223 and magnets of the base 220 are oriented to face the receiving surface 211 and magnets 213 of the pod 210 when the pod 210 is connected to the base 220.

Referring now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the pod 110 shown in FIG. 3 and the base 120 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 shows an example of a pod 110 and a base 120 components of the cosmetic carry case and applicator 100. The pod 110 is configured to contain lip balm 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) or another cosmetic material. The pod 110 is configured to be oriented face down onto the base 120 such that the lip balm 114 of the pod 110 is oriented to be facing an interior cavity 123 of the base 120 when the pod 110 is connected to the base. The locking catch 121 of the base 120 captures the locking notch 113 of the pod 110 wherein the locking catch 121 secures the pod 110 to the base 120 when the pod 110 is connected to the base 120.

Referring now to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator attached to the back surface of a cellular phone. FIG. 9 shows an example of the cosmetic carry case and applicator 100 attached to a back surface of a cellular phone 902. A user grasps the pod 110 with one hand utilizing the finger grips 111 to remove the pod 110 from the base 120 and directly apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material.

Referring now to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cosmetic carrying case and applicator attached to the back surface of a wallet. FIG. 10 shows an example of the cosmetic carry case and applicator 100 attached to a surface of a wallet 1002. A user grasps the pod 110 with one hand utilizing the finger grips 111 to remove the pod 110 from the base 120 and directly apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material.

Many other advantages and benefits are offered by the cosmetic carrying case and applicator as described herein in one or more non-limiting embodiments. The cosmetic carrying case may provide a novel means for applying lip balm or another cosmetic material using only one hand while being in a compact form allowing the cosmetic carrying case to fit within a pocket or purse.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cosmetic carrying case and applicator, the cosmetic carrying case and applicator comprising:

a pod, wherein on an underside of the pod is a receiving surface, wherein the receiving surface located on the underside of the pod is configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material; and

a base configured to be removably connected to the pod, wherein the pod is configured to be oriented face down onto the base such that the receiving surface of the pod faces an interior cavity of the base when the pod is attached to the base,

and further wherein the pod comprises at least two parallel sides configured to act as finger grips for a user to grasp the pod and to apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod.

2. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein a back surface of the base is flat.

3. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 2, wherein the flat back surface of the base is configured to be attachable to a back surface of a cellular phone.

4. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein the receiving surface on the underside of the pod is recessed on the underside of the pod.

5. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein one or more additional sides of the pod and one or more additional sides of the base have a curved shape, wherein the one or more additional sides of the pod connect to the at least two parallel sides.

6. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein the pod comprises a locking notch and the base comprises a locking catch.

7. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 6, wherein the locking notch engages with the base when the pod is connected to the base.

8. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 6, wherein the locking catch of the base is configured to connect to the locking notch of the pod.

9. The cosmetic carry case and applicator of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the pod is flat.

10. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein the pod and the base comprise one or more magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other.

11. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an adhesive layer on a back surface of the base.

12. A cosmetic carrying case and applicator, the cosmetic carrying case and applicator further comprising:

a pod, wherein on an underside of the pod is a receiving surface, wherein the receiving surface of the pod is recessed on the underside of the pod, wherein the receiving surface located on the underside of the pod is configured to contain lip balm or another cosmetic material; and

a base configured to be removably connected to the pod, wherein the pod is configured to be oriented face down onto the base such that the receiving surface of the pod faces an interior cavity of the base when the pod is attached to the base,

and further wherein the pod comprise at least two parallel sides configured to act as finger grips for a user to grasp the pod and to apply the lip balm or another cosmetic material directly while holding the pod.

13. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 12, wherein the pod is comprised of one or more sides, wherein at least two sides are parallel and are configured to act as finger grips.

14. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 13, wherein the comprises at least two sides configured to be receiving slots for the finger grips of the pod.

15. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 12, wherein the pod comprises a locking notch and the base comprises a locking catch, wherein the locking notch is configured to securely engage with the locking catch of the base.

16. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 12, wherein the pod and the base comprise one or more magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other.

17. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 12, wherein a back surface of the base is flat.

18. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 17, wherein the flat back surface of the base is configured to be attachable to a back surface of a cellular phone.

19. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 17, wherein the base comprises an adhesive layer on a back surface of the base.

20. The cosmetic carrying case and applicator of claim 17, wherein a top surface of the pod is flat, wherein the top surface of the pod is on an opposite side from the underside of the pod.