ROTATIONAL CONTAINER WITH FRONT LOCK AND LEVER SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a container, applicator device, or apparatus with one or more product holders that rotate open via a set of connecting hinges located on either the faces or sides, and containing a locking system located on front or back faces of the container. The device opens by rotating a lever, with an attached cover, in the direction of the face, and using the connecting hinges to lift out the product through an orifice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/269,114, filed Mar. 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an applicator, holder, or a dispensing device, and more particularly to an applicator, holder, or a dispensing device for a solid or semi-solid cosmetic, or medical, topical or fragrance product, or various forms of adhesives and glues, waxes, polishes, and/or other products.

BACKGROUND

Common packaging for products such as lipstick, cosmetics, or other consumable products, can be characterized by a few design groups. For instance, one common packaging design includes a base containing the product embedded in a built-in cup. The base is generally covered with a tightly fit cap that is removable for application. Though this packaging type is comparatively inexpensive, removal of the cap often damages the embedded product.

A similar common packaging design includes a product base, a removable cap and a set of components that rotates the base to allow the product to emerge perpendicularly to the motion of rotation. This motion usually requires a user to set the cap aside and use two hands to rotate the base in two opposite directions. This packaging design is more expensive as it typically requires four or more components for assembly.

Yet another common packaging design includes a product base, a removable cap and a set of components that allows a user to laterally slide the product through an orifice in a holder. This mechanism, however, is difficult to control to adjust the amount of product that the user wishes to expose. A variation to this slide action utilizes a rack and pinion concept. A toothed rack is attached to the internal holder and a round wheel gear extends through the outside shell. The consumer rotates the gear with the thumb and through a complimentary set of gear teeth forces the internal holder to push the product in a lateral motion. This design, while allowing the consumer to use one hand to extend and retract the lipstick, still requires the user to remove a cap, and it is frequently difficult to use the slide or rotate the wheel.

SUMMARY

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus has an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position and includes: a container including a plurality of surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and at least one slot in at least one of the plurality of surfaces; a lever system including a cover, a surface extending from the cover, and a hinge mechanism on the surface, where the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system through the at least one slot of the container. The hinge mechanism and the complementary hinge mechanism are configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and are configured to slide along the at least one slot in the apparatus open position. The cover of the lever system includes one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the container includes the other of the locking peg or the locking hole. The locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge mechanism and the complementary hinge mechanism from sliding along the at least one slot in the apparatus closed position.

In embodiments, the cover of the lever system includes the locking hole and the container includes the locking peg.

In embodiments, the at least one slot and the locking hole are at different container surfaces of the plurality of container surfaces.

In embodiments, the plurality of container surfaces includes a front container surface, a back container surface, a bottom container surface, and side container surfaces. The at least one slot is in the front container surface or the back container surface, and the locking hole is in the other of the front container surface or the back container surface.

In embodiments, the at least one slot consists of a single horizontal slot extending in a horizontal direction between the side container surfaces. The hinge is configured to slide horizontally along the single horizontal slot in the apparatus open position.

In embodiments, the at least one slot includes at least two vertical slots, where each of the at least two vertical slots extends in a vertical direction between the bottom container surface and the orifice. The hinge is configured to slide vertically along the at least two vertical slots in the apparatus open position.

In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a support system configured to nest within the container. The support system includes the complementary hinge mechanism, and the lever system and the support system are coupled together by the hinge through the at least two vertical slots of the container.

In embodiments, the support system further includes barriers, the hinge includes flats, and the flats prevent the hinge from sliding along the at least two vertical slots until the flats are aligned in a same direction as the barriers.

In embodiments, the locking peg is a bar peg. The bar peg includes a wider portion and a narrower portion, where the wider portion is farther away from the bottom container surface than the narrower portion.

In embodiments, the lock hole is a notch hole in the cover of the lever system, and the cover includes notch locks.

In embodiments, in the apparatus closed position, the notch locks abut the narrower portion of the bar peg to prevent the wider portion of the bar peg from sliding past the notch locks, but the notch locks permit the bar peg to rotate out of the notch hole.

In embodiments, the cover of the lever system includes the locking peg and the container includes the locking hole.

In embodiments, the at least one slot and the locking hole are in different container surfaces of the plurality of container surfaces.

In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a support system configured to nest within the container. The support system includes the complementary hinge mechanism, and the lever system and the support system are coupled together by the hinge through the at least one slot of the container.

In embodiments, the support system is configured to receive at least one pan. The at least one pan is configured to hold a product and is insertable and removable from the support system.

In embodiments, the plurality of container surfaces includes a window positioned to provide a view of the product in the apparatus closed position.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus has an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position and includes: a container including a plurality of container surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of container surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and a single slot in a front container surface or a back container surface of the plurality of container surfaces; a lever system including a cover, a plurality of other surfaces, and a hinge mechanism on one of the plurality of other surfaces, where the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system to form a hinge through the single slot of the container. The hinge is configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and is configured to slide along the single slot in the apparatus open position. A surface of the plurality of other surfaces of the lever system includes one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the front container surface or the back container surface of the container includes the other of the locking peg or the locking hole. The locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge from sliding along the single slot in the apparatus closed position.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus has an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position and includes: a container including a plurality of container surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of container surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and at least one slot in at least one of the plurality of container surfaces, where the plurality of container surfaces includes a front container surface, a back container surface, a bottom container surface, and side container surfaces, where the at least one slot is in the front container surface or the back container surface; a lever system including a cover, a surface extending from the cover, and a hinge mechanism on the surface, where the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system to form a hinge through the at least one slot of the container, where the hinge is configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and is configured to slide along the at least one slot in the apparatus open position.

In embodiments, the cover of the lever system includes one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the container further includes the other of the locking peg or the locking hole.

In embodiments, the locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge from sliding along the at least one slot in the apparatus closed position.

The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the figures:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of components of an example container device in its most basic form, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2C show an example sequence for opening the basic device and exposing the product, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3B describe the example sequence for attaching the support system to the lever system via a set of connectors, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C show side and isometric views that illustrate an example of how the lever system is prevented from moving longitudinally in specific positions, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5B show a sequence describing an example method of locking the lever system and container into a closed position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6D show a sequence showing an example of how a set of pans are extended out vertically from the support system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7C show a sequence representing an example modular feature of the device shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8D show a sequence illustrating an example of how one pan in a support system rotates outward to expose the product in a second pan, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9D show a sequence illustrating an example of how a set of pans are extended out horizontally from the support system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows an example device where there is a window in the container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows an example alternative locking mechanism, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows an example device as an applicator foam brush, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A-13B show two views of the basic form of the example device where the hinge system is on the front side of the container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows an example of the device in FIGS. 13A-13B in an open position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows an example of the face support system connected to the face lever, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A-16E show a sequence of the example device in FIGS. 13A-13B, where the container is opened, and the product is exposed, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17A-17E show a sequence depicting the example device where the container is opened, and product accessed through one of its sides, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 18A-18B show a version of the example device in FIGS. 13A-13B where the longitudinal movement of the face lever is restricted by its rotational position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 19A-19D show a side view cross-sectional sequence that illustrates an example of the movement of the device shown in FIGS. 18A-18B, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate two alternative shapes of the example device described in FIGS. 13-19, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 21A-21B show a version of the example device that is sealable, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an applicator, holder, or a dispensing device, and more particularly to an applicator, holder, or a dispensing device for a solid or semi-solid cosmetic, medical, topical or fragrance product. In addition, these embodiments are also applicable to various forms of adhesives and glues, waxes, polishes, and other surface treatments. For ease of description, an applicator, holder, and/or device may be referred to herein as an apparatus. It is intended that any description referring to an apparatus shall be treated as though the description referred to an applicator, holder, and/or device. Further, it is intended that any description referring to any one of an applicator, holder, or device, shall be treated as though the description referred to the others, as well.

The present disclosure describes an inexpensive applicator, holder, or dispensing device that includes a lever system having a cover that is attached to a set of one or more levers that extend from the cover, and at the bottom of which is attached a hinge. The hinge is then connected to an internal support system that in turn holds or supports either a product, or an encasement with a product within. The support system is housed in container with one or more slots located along either on one or more sides, or on the front or back face of the container. The slots may be either longitudinal, latitudinal, or vertical, depending on the configuration. The lock is a mechanical component where the locking occurs between a component located on either the front face of the container or the back face of the container, and a second component located on a lever system. The front or back faces in the present disclosure are defined as, respectively, the directions toward or away from the container as the device is opened, and the support system is made accessible to the user.

In order to open the device, the user unlocks the lever system from the container by rotating it about the axis where the hinge connects with the product-containing internal support system. In embodiments of the device, after the lever system is sufficiently rotated, the user then slides the lever system longitudinally or latitudinally thus pushing the internal support system along a set of one or more slots that protrude through the wall or walls of the container. The product then emerges through an orifice in the container thus exposing the product for use.

In the present disclosure, the lever system interacts with the front or back surfaces of container such that the container controls and or restricts the movement of the lever system and, because of the lever system's connection to the support system and its contents, it controls accessibility to the product contained in the device. This control or restriction can manifest in several ways. The container can lock together with the lever front such that a lock restricts the lever system from moving along the slots. The interaction between the guiding slots and the hinge component on the lever system controls and restricts the movement of the support device system.

The simplest form of the device can be composed of a small number of parts that can be composed of the same material. A single-material package may be important when the user needs to dispose the device after use, as it makes it easier to recycle. Furthermore, the device can be designed to be modular or refillable such that the products can be easily removed from the device and replaced with other products. Such a device offers opportunities to develop environmentally friendly packaging and minimize material waste and cost. The device described in the present disclosure does not require removal of a separate cover—an act the frequently results in the user misplacing, e.g., the cap. And the device can, in some embodiments, be refillable and/or allow the user to open the device and apply a product by using only one hand.

There are package products available on the market which use a swivel mechanism, but with the hinge and locking system components positioned on the sides of the device. This presents limitations to how the device can be designed and presents aesthetic and tactile disadvantages. For instance, one method of locating the locks on the side of the device is to place protrusions on inside walls of the levers that engage with holes molded into the container. In such case, as the lever system would rotate open, the levers would need to distort to overcome the protrusions. A solution might be to cut channels into the sides of the container. But this would be visible and be aesthetically unappealing.

Placement of the slots and locks on the sides of the device also result in an increase in width dimensions and require a more complex and expensive tooling. Assembly of the package components is also more complex.

Furthermore, placing the slots on the sides of the container makes it more difficult to seal the slots as the side slots allow air and dirt to penetrate the container easier than if the slots were sealed at the front of the device.

Locating all the locking and hinging componentry on the front surface of the package, allows a simpler mold design and less material to be used in production. Such placement also gives the package structure more stability. It also allows for a multitude of aesthetic designs that would not be available to a designer if the components were on the sides of the package. For instance, the package could be dimensioned with circular, hexagonal, and other non-traditional shapes. It also allows for options to seal the slots and cover when the device is in a closed position.

As used herein the “front” surface or “front” side of an apparatus depends on the context. In embodiments, based on the apparatus containing a product, the surface that the product faces when it is exposed may be the “front” surface. In embodiments, the surface opposite where the product faces when it is exposed may be the “front” surface.

FIG. 1 describes an example of a design of the present disclosure. Shown is a closed rotational container apparatus 100 having a lever system 200 that includes a cover 210 and a pair of side levers 220. The lever system 200 covers a container 300 with a front surface 310. On the top portion of the front surface 310 is a lock hole 342. The lock hole 342 engages with a lock peg 252 that protrudes from the lever front 211, which describes the front side of the lever system 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the rotational container apparatus 100 is the side facing the direction away from which the lever system 200 rotates relative to the container 300. In this case, the lock hole 342 and lock peg 252 are on the front side. Within the bottom portion of the rotational container apparatus 100 is the rotatable hinge system 101, which is the hinge about which the lever system 200 rotates relative to the container 300. The lock hole 342 and lock peg 252 are designed such that the lever system 200 can only open after the lock peg 252 is disengaged from the lock hole 342 and rotates about the axis of the rotatable hinge system 101.

FIGS. 2A-2C show an example of a sequence for opening the rotational container apparatus 100 and exposing a product 720. FIG. 2A shows the rotatable container apparatus 100 as the lever system 200 begins to rotate open about a pair of hinges 224 that protrude from the lever system 200 and into a pair of vertical slots 322 that line the sides of the container 300 and connect with a support system 500 within the confines of the container 300. The cover 210 is shown rotating away from the container 300 and exposing the orifice 312.

In FIG. 2B, the lever system 200 has rotated open approximately 180 degrees about the hinge 224. It will be explained further in FIGS. 4A-4C that due to the width of a wide indentation 323 at the base of the container's slots 322 and the shape and size of the hinge 224, the lever system 200 is unable to move vertically relative to the container 300 until it rotates to the orientation shown in FIG. 2B. The hinges 224 are now free to move longitudinally along the slot 322 and push the support system 500 upwards via its connection to the support connectors 550.

In FIG. 2C the lever system's hinges 224 have pushed the support system 500 up and out through the orifice 312. The support system 500 has a pair of support arms 510, between which is a pan system 400 containing one or more products 720.

FIGS. 3A-3B describe an example of a sequence for attaching the support system 500 to the hinges 224 of the lever system 200. In FIG. 3A, the hinges 224 are located at the inside of a pair of side levers 220 that extend from the lever system's cover 210. The support system 500 is connectable to the hinges 224 via a pair of connectors 550. In FIG. 3B, the support connectors 550 have engaged with the hinges 224. For clarity, other components of the rotational container apparatus 100, such as the container 300, are not shown in this figure. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 224 includes a cylinder 226 and a platform 227, the significance of which will be discussed later.

FIGS. 4A-C show side and isometric views that illustrate an example of how the lever system 200 is prevented from moving along the slots 322 of container 300 until it is properly positioned. It can be seen in all views that the slot 322 extends from near the top of the container 300 to the bottom and maintains a constant width. This width is slightly larger than the width or diameter of the cylinder 226 portion of the hinge 224. There is a wide indentation 323 at the base of the container's slots 322. It can also be seen that each hinge 224 includes a platform 227 and the cylinder 226. The cylinder 226 extends through the slot 322 of the container 300. The height of the platform 227 as it protrudes from the side levers 220 is less than that of the cylinder 226 and is dimensioned to only extend into the depth of each wide indentation 323 such that the lever system 200 can freely rotate about the axis of the hinge 224. The width of the slot 322 is too narrow to allow a hinge 224 that is not properly aligned with the slot 322 to move along the slot 322. The hinge's platform 227 can only rotate within the confines of the wide indentation 323. This is because the depths of the wide indentations 323 are equal to, or slightly larger than the heights of the hinge platform 227.

FIG. 4A shows the relative rotational positions of the lever system 200 and the container 300. The lever system 200 is slightly rotated, and is parallel to neither the container 300, nor the container's slot 322. The lever system 200 would not be able to slide along the slot 322 in this orientation as the hinge platform 227 would be prevented from moving along the slot 322 except at the bottom of the container 300 in the wide indentation 323. Indeed, when the rotational container apparatus 100 is in a closed position as is shown in FIG. 1, the hinge 224, cylinder 226, and platform 227 are all positioned in the wide indentation 323. The lever system 200 is able to rotate from this closed position after it is unlocked, as described later in FIG. 5.

FIG. 4B is a side view where the lever system 200 and container 300 and slot 322 are parallel to each other. The longer part of the hinge 224 is aligned with the direction of the slot 322. In this rotational orientation, the lever system 200 can vertically slide relative to the container 300 since the widths of the platform 227 and cylinder 226 can fit within and slide along the length of the slot 322 when the hinge 224 is aligned with the slot 322. As can be seen from the illustrated embodiment, when the rotational container apparatus 100 is in the closed position (FIG. 1), the hinge 224 would not prevent the container 300 from sliding downwards and away from the lever system's cover 210, along at least a portion of the slot 322. This would be problematic since the container 300 would fall and the product (720, FIG. 2C) would be exposed without something to obstruct its longitudinal movement when it is in the closed position. A solution to this problem is discussed in FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 4C shows a 3-dimensional perspective of lever system 200 and container 300 components. The hinge 224, the slot 322, the platform 227, the cylinder 226, and the wide indentation 323 are clearly shown. For clarity, the other components of the device are not shown.

FIGS. 5A-5B describe the sequence describing one example of locking the lever system 200 and container 300 into a closed position and preventing the lever system 200 from moving vertically relative to the container 300. As mentioned in FIGS. 4A-4C, this lock restricts the device from opening until properly rotated. FIG. 5A shows the lever system 200 with a pair of hinges 224 that is engaged with the connectors 550 of the support system 500 as described in FIGS. 3A-3B. The lever system 200 is open and unlocked. There is a lock hole 342 on the top of the container 300, and a lock peg 252 protruding from the lever system 200.

FIG. 5B shows the rotational container apparatus 100 in a closed position. The lock hole 342 is engaged with the lock peg 252. The lock hole 342 is designed such that when it engages with the lock peg 252, the lever system 200 is unable to move vertically relative to the container 300. It was stated in the descriptions of FIG. 4C that, without this locking system on the rotational container apparatus 100, the hinge 224 would slide along the length of the slot 322. This illustrated locking mechanism solves this problem.

FIGS. 6A-6D show a sequence of an embodiment of the rotational container apparatus 100 where products 720 are packaged within a modular set of pans 410, 411 that extend out vertically from the support system 500. In the illustration, the product 720 is a cosmetic and the pans 410, 411 hold the cosmetic. This is only an example of one of many possible products and settings for the products. For example, the product could instead be a lipstick, or an ointment, artist paint, or glue, among other products. In the case of lipstick, the setting for the lipstick may not be a pan and, instead, may be a lipstick applicator. In embodiments, the product may be a device, such as a brush (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12) or another device. FIGS. 6A-6B show the rotational container apparatus 100 with the lever system 200 rotating about the hinges 224 into an open position in the process described in FIGS. 2A-2C. Within the container 300 is the support system 500 containing the pans 410, 411 and product 720. FIG. 6C shows the support arms 510 holding the vertical pan one 410 and vertical pan two 411 after the support arms 510 have been pushed out through the container's orifice 312. The vertical pan two 411 is positioned behind vertical pan one 410. The pans 410, 411 are held between a pair of support arms 510. Within both pans 410, 411 are the cosmetic products 720.

FIG. 6D shows how the vertical pan two 411 extends vertically upward to expose the product 720 within. Along each side of the vertical pans 410, 411 are one or more sets of pan slots 422. These slots 422 engage with and are slidable along corresponding support rails 522 built into the inside of the inner walls of the support arms 510. The pans 410, 411 can be removed from the support system 500 itself thus making the rotational container apparatus 100 modular. Users can remove the pans 410, 411 and replace it with new pans full of fresh product.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a sequence that demonstrates an example of the modularity of the rotational container apparatus 100. FIG. 7A shows the support system 500 with a pair of support arms 510. On the inside of the support arms 500 are a set of four support rails 522 that are configured to engage pan slots 422, one pair of which are on vertical pan one 410 and another on vertical pan two 411. FIG. 7B shows vertical pan two 411 as it is slid into place between the support arms 510, such that the pan slots 422 engage with the corresponding support rails 522. FIG. 7C shows vertical pan one 410 after it is similarly slid between the support arms 510. An alternative design would have the rails located on the pan slots, and the rails designed into the support arms.

FIGS. 8A-8D show a sequence of an embodiment of the rotational container apparatus 100 where the product is packaged in a modular set of pans 430, 431; one pan capable of rotating about the other and exposing the product 720. FIGS. 8A-8B show the rotational container apparatus 100 as the lever system 200 swivels about the hinge 224 into an open position. This opening process has already been described in FIGS. 6A-6D. Within the container 300 is the support system 500 containing the pans 430, 431 and product 720. FIG. 8C shows the swivel support 530 design holding the swivel pan one 430 and swivel pan two 431, after it has been pushed out of the container's orifice 312. The swivel pan two 431 is positioned behind swivel pan one 430. In this case, the swivel pan two 431 is immovably attached to the swivel support 530 and the swivel pan one 430 is attached to swivel pan two 431 by a pan swivel 423. In the illustrated embodiment, both pans 430, 431 contain cosmetic products 720.

FIG. 8D shows how the swivel pan one 430 is rotated about the central axis of the pan swivel 423 so that the product 720 contained within swivel pan two 431 is exposed. The swivel pan one 430 can be designed to be removable from the pan swivel two 431, if desired thus making the rotational container apparatus 100 modular.

FIGS. 9A-9D show a sequence of an embodiment of the rotational container apparatus 100 where the product 720 is packaged in a modular set of pans 440, 441 that extend out horizontally from the support system 500. FIGS. 9A-9B show the rotational container apparatus 100 as the lever system 200 swivels about the hinge 224 into an open position. This rotational process has already been described in FIGS. 2A-2C. Within the container 300 is the support system 500 containing the pans 440, 441 and product 720. FIG. 9C shows the horizontal support 540 design holding the horizontal pan one 440 and horizontal pan two 441 after it has been pushed out of the container's orifice 312. The horizontal pan two 441 is positioned behind horizontal pan one 440. The pans 440, 441 are held between a pair of horizontal support segments 511. Within both pans 440, 441 are the cosmetic products 720.

FIG. 9C shows how the horizontal pan one 440 extends horizontally outward to expose the product 720 within horizontal pan two 441. Along each side of horizontal pan one 440 is a pan slot 422. These slots 422 engage with and are slidable along support rails 522 built into the inside of the inner walls of the horizontal support segments 511. The pans 440, 441 can be removed from the support system 500 itself thus making the rotational container apparatus 100 modular. When the consumer wishes to access the horizontal pan two 441, they can pull the vertical pan one 440 outwards.

The horizontal pan two 441 is positioned behind horizontal pan one 440. In this case, the horizontal pan two 441 is immovably attached to the support system 500. Alternatively, a rotational container apparatus 100 can be designed such that both the pans 440, 441 are modular and slidable along the horizontal support segments 511.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a rotational container apparatus 100 where the user can see the product 720 within the container. In this case there is a window 600 set into the windowed container 301. The user can see the product 720 through the window 600.

FIG. 11 shows another example of a locking method to prevent the container 300 from vertically moving relative the lever system 200 when it is in a closed position. In this case, there is a notch hole 250 set into the lever front 211 of the lever system 200. A bar peg 340 is designed into the top portion of the container front 310. A set of notch stops 251 designed into the notch hole 250 prevent the bar peg from moving longitudinally downward. The rotational container apparatus 100 can only be opened by rotating the lever system 200 away from the container 300 about the hinge 224 and toward the front, using a similar method previously shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the rotational container apparatus 100 as an applicator foam brush 721. In this case, a foam brush 721 is attached to the support base 506. The illustrated rotational container apparatus 100 is shown in an open position.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show an embodiment of the rotational container apparatus, referred to herein as the face swivel apparatus 800, having a pair of slots 822 embedded into one face of the container 802 and having a face hinge system 853 that includes a pair of hinge receivers 855 and a corresponding pair of hinge pegs 865 located on the same side as the slots 822 and penetrating the slots 822 to engage a face support system 880.

FIG. 13A shows the face swivel apparatus 800 showing the face hinge system 853. There is a face lever system 801 that includes a face cover 810 that protects the face orifice 805 that leads into the interior of the face container 802. The pair of face slots 822 are covered by a face lever front 803. At the bottom of the face lever front 803 is a pair of face hinge receivers 855 that engage with a pair of face hinge pegs 865.

FIG. 13B shows the face swivel apparatus 800 with a view to the face container back 804. On top of the face container front 803 is a face bar peg 850 that is set within a face notch hole 840 and set above a pair of face notch stops 841. The face notch stops 841 prevent the face bar peg 850 from moving longitudinally downward. The face swivel apparatus 800 is shown in the closed position. This locking method was discussed in connection with FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows the face swivel apparatus 800 in FIGS. 13A-13B in an open position. The face lever system 801 has rotated 180 degrees about the axes of the hinge system 853, which includes a pair of face hinge receivers 855 and a pair of face hinge pegs 865. The face slots 822 are clearly visible. The face orifice 805 is also exposed and the face support system 880 is free to be pushed upwards when the face lever system 801, via the face hinge receivers 855, push up against the face hinge pegs 865.

FIG. 15 shows the face support system 880 connected to the face lever system 801 by the face hinge system 853 that includes the face hinge peg 865 (in this illustration attached to the face support system 880) and the face hinge receiver 855 (in this illustration attached to the face lever system 801). For reasons of clarity, other components, including the face container 802, are not shown. In an alternative design the face hinge peg 865 could be attached to the face lever system 801, and the face hinge receiver 855 could be attached to the face support system 880. The design of the face hinge system 853 need not be restricted to pin hinges as described here. An alternative face hinge system 853 may be designed as a ball hinge or a friction hinge. Also, the face swivel apparatus 800 may be designed with only one set of hinges forming the face hinge system 853, and one corresponding slot.

FIGS. 16A-16E show a sequential set of drawings that illustrate an example of how the face swivel apparatus 800 is opened, and the product 720 accessed from the pans 410, 411. In FIG. 16A, the face lever system 801 and face container 802 are in a closed position. The face cover 810 covers the face orifice 805. The face notch hole 840 is engaged with the face bar peg 850 and the face lever system 801 is prevented from moving vertically with respect to the face container 802.

In FIG. 16B, the face lever system 801 rotates about the common axes of the face hinge receivers 855 and face hinge pegs 865. In this design, once the face lever system 801 is unlocked and swivels even partially away from the face container 802, the face lever system 801 can move vertically relative to the face container 803. The face swivel apparatus 800 can also be designed to restrict that movement until the face level system 801 is swiveled to a position where the face lever system 801 has rotated 180 degrees to the face container 802. This restriction will be discussed in FIGS. 18-19.

In FIG. 16C, the face lever system 801 has rotated 180 degrees about the common axes of the face hinge receivers 855 and face hinge pegs 865. In FIG. 16D, the face lever system 801 has pushed the face support system 880 upwards through the face orifice 805. The face support system 880 is designed in a configuration similar to the vertical pan arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. Visible is the vertical pan one 410 containing product. Behind that is the vertical pan two 411. In FIG. 16E, the user has extended the vertical pan two 411 upwards. All the products 720 contained in the pans are now fully accessible.

FIGS. 17A-17E show an embodiment of the face swivel apparatus 800 where the product 720 is accessed by a horizontal movement of the horizontal support system 816 relative to the horizontal container 813. FIG. 17A shows a front view of the face swivel apparatus that includes a horizontal outer face 812 and a horizontal container 813. On one side of the horizontal outer face 812 is a horizontal cover 814 that covers a horizontal orifice 815. Attached to the bottom of the horizontal outer face 812 is a horizontal hinge receiver 857 that engages with a horizontal hinge peg 867, which in turn is attached to the horizontal support system 816. These components are configured such that the horizontal support system 816 can slide horizontally along a horizontal slide 858 after the horizontal outer face 812 sufficiently rotates about the common axis of the horizontal hinge peg 867 and horizontal hinge receiver 857.

FIGS. 17B-17C show respectively front and back views of the face swivel apparatus 800 as the horizontal outer cover 812 has rotated approximately 180 degrees about the common axis of the horizontal hinge peg 867 and the horizontal hinge receiver 857. The horizontal orifice 815 is now exposed and the horizontal support system 816 can now be slid out. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal container 813 also contains a horizontal upper storage 806 into which an applicator or other product may be stored, and a lower storage 807 which likewise can hold a brush or other product. In embodiments, the face swivel apparatus 800 may not include a horizontal upper storage 806, such that the face container 802 is accessible only through the horizontal orifice 815.

FIG. 17D shows the face swivel apparatus 800 after the horizontal outer face 812 has pulled the horizontal support system 816 out through the horizontal orifice 815. The horizontal support system 816 stores two modular pans—vertical pan one 410 and vertical pan two 411. The product 720 in vertical pan one 410 is exposed. Product 720 is accessed, and the pans 410, 411 can be removed in a fashion similar to that described in FIGS. 7A-7C. FIG. 17E shows the vertical pan two 411 pulled upwards such that the contained product 720 is now accessible.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show an example of a method that longitudinally restricts movement of the face lever system 801 until it opens at a 180-degree angle relative to the face container 802. FIG. 18A is view of the face swivel apparatus 800 as described in FIGS. 13-15, except that longitudinal movement along the slots 822 is restricted until the face lever system 801 is sufficiently rotated relative to the face container 802. A locking system similar to that shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 restricts longitudinal movement between the face lever system 801 and the face container 802 when the face swivel apparatus 800 is closed. In the embodiment described here, a rotational orientation of approximately 180 degrees is required before the face lever system 801 and the face support system 880, can move upwards. A restrictive design is built into the face hinge system 853 and includes a pair of flats 856 on one side of each of the face hinge receivers 855, and a corresponding pair of face barriers 881 built along the slots 822 control at what angle the face lever system 801 will be able to move upward. Specifically, the face lever system 801 can only move along the face slots 822 when the flat 856 is properly aligned with the face barrier 881 and the flat 856 can ride over the face barrier 881.

FIG. 18B shows a magnified detailed cross section view of the hinge area. The face lever system 801 and the face hinge receiver 855 are rotated so that the flat 856 is aligned with the face barrier 881. When the face lever system 801 is moved upwards, it can ride over the face barrier 881.

FIGS. 19A-19D is a side view cross-section that describes the sequence of an embodiment where the face lever system 801 described in FIGS. 18A-B is rotated 180 degrees from a position closed against the face container 802, and then pushes the face support system 880 upwards. FIG. 19A shows the face swivel apparatus 800 in a closed position. At the bottom of the face swivel apparatus 800 there is a face hinge receiver 855 and a face hinge peg 865. On one side of the face hinge receiver 855 is a flat 856. In the closed position, the flat 856 faces away from the corresponding face slot 822. The opposite side of the face hinge receiver 855 is rounded and protrudes into the face slot 822. There is a face barrier 881 within the face slot 822 that is shown as a thin black rectangle in the drawing and is positioned directly above the described rounded portion of the face hinge receiver 855. In this embodiment, the face lever system 801 is prevented from moving vertically upwards relative to the face container 802 both by the interaction of the face notch hole 840 against the face bar peg 850 on the top of the face swivel apparatus 800, and by the interference of the rounded portion of the face hinge receiver 855 against the lower part of the face barrier 881.

In FIG. 19B the face lever system 801 is rotated relative about the common axes of the face hinge receiver 855 and the face hinge peg 865, to an angle that is less than 180 degrees relative to the face container 802. Even though the face swivel apparatus 800 is now open and the face bar peg 850 has been unlocked from the face notch hole 840, the rounded portion of the face hinge receiver 855 still interferes with the lower portion of the face barrier 881. The face lever system 801 is still unable to move vertically relative to the face container 802.

In FIG. 19C, the face lever system 801 has rotated 180 degrees. The flat 856 now faces backwards and towards the face container 802 and aligns with the face barrier 881 such that the flat 856 can move upwards along the forward-facing surface of the face barrier 881.

In FIG. 19D, the face lever system 801 is shown moving vertically upwards. The flat 856 is freely sliding along the face barrier 881. The face lever system 801 is allowed to carry the face support system 880 such that the vertical pan one 410 and vertical pan two 411 are carried out of the face container 802.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show another embodiment of the face swivel apparatus 800 described in FIGS. 13-19. The main difference is that the face container 802 has sides that are not straight. Instead, they have various other shapes. In FIG. 20A, there is a hexagonal side 890. In FIG. 20B the face container side is a rounded side 891. The functionality of this version of the device is otherwise the same as described in the FIGS. 13-19. The shapes of the side do not affect how the face swivel apparatus 800 opens and closes. Different side shapes allow various other aesthetic designs and storage space volumes to be applied to the face swivel apparatus 800.

FIGS. 21A-21B show a sealable embodiment of the face swivel apparatus 800 illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 21A shows an open face swivel apparatus 800. A cover seal 902 is attached below the face swivel apparatus's 800 face cover 810, which is designed to engage with and seal the face container 802's face orifice 805 when the face swivel apparatus 800 is in a closed position. A pair of face seals 901 are attached to the face lever such that they may engage with and seal the corresponding face slots 822 built into the face container 802.

FIG. 21B shows the device as it is about to close. The face seals 901 are about to seal into the face slots 822, and the cover seal 902 is about to engage and seal the face slots 822. In a closed position, this embodiment of the face swivel apparatus 800 prevents air and moisture from entering the face container 802 through these openings.

In the above device description, the hinge pegs were described to be attached to the support systems and the hinge receivers were described as attached to the face lever component. The device would work equally well if the hinge pegs were attached to the face lever and the hinge receivers were attached to the support system. Also, the number of slots, and the pathways of the slots within the container can also vary, as long as the slot, or slots, allow the hinges, together with the connected support system, movement relative to the container such that the product can be accessed by the user.

The closures have been described as interactions between notches and bars, and between pegs and holes. Other locking systems can be designed. The device will work as long as there is a way for the face lever and container to connect and disconnect when the face lever is rotated relative to the hinge about the axis of a hinge. The lock can be placed on either side—back or front—of the device as long as the side that the lock is placed faces the direction toward or away from the direction that the lever system rotates.

The embodiments disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments” may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).”

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus having an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position, the apparatus comprising:

a container comprising a plurality of container surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of container surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and at least one slot in at least one of the plurality of container surfaces;

a lever system comprising a cover, a surface extending from the cover, and a hinge mechanism on the surface, wherein the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and

a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system to form a hinge through the at least one slot of the container, the hinge configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and configured to slide along the at least one slot in the apparatus open position,

wherein the cover of the lever system comprises one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the container further comprises the other of the locking peg or the locking hole, and

wherein the locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge from sliding along the at least one slot in the apparatus closed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover of the lever system comprises the locking hole and the container comprises the locking peg.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one slot and the locking hole are at different container surfaces of the plurality of container surfaces.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of container surfaces comprises a front container surface, a back container surface, a bottom container surface, and side container surfaces,

wherein the at least one slot and the locking hole are both in one of the front container surface or the back container surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of container surfaces comprises a front container surface, a back container surface, a bottom container surface, and side container surfaces,

wherein the at least one slot is in the front container surface or the back container surface, and

wherein the locking hole is in the other of the front container surface or the back container surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one slot consists of a single horizontal slot extending in a horizontal direction between the side container surfaces,

wherein the hinge is configured to slide horizontally along the single horizontal slot in the apparatus open position.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one slot comprises at least two vertical slots, each of the at least two vertical slots extending in a vertical direction between the bottom container surface and the orifice,

wherein the hinge is configured to slide vertically along the at least two vertical slots in the apparatus open position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a support system configured to nest within the container, the support system comprising the complementary hinge mechanism,

wherein the lever system and the support system are coupled together by the hinge through the at least two vertical slots of the container.

9. The apparatus of claim 8,

wherein the support system further comprises barriers,

wherein the hinge comprises flats, and

wherein the flats prevent the hinge from sliding along the at least two vertical slots until the flat is aligned in a same direction as the barriers.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking peg is a bar peg, the bar peg comprising a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the wider portion is farther away from the bottom container surface than the narrower portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lock hole is a notch hole in the cover of the lever system, wherein the cover comprises notch locks.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein in the apparatus closed position, the notch locks abut the narrower portion of the bar peg to prevent the wider portion of the bar peg from sliding past the notch locks, the notch locks permitting the bar peg to rotate out of the notch hole.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover of the lever system comprises the locking peg and the container comprises the locking hole.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one slot and the locking hole are in different container surfaces of the plurality of container surfaces.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support system configured to nest within the container, the support system comprising the complementary hinge mechanism, wherein the lever system and the support system are coupled together by the hinge through the at least one slot of the container.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support system is configured to receive at least one pan, the at least one pan configured to hold a product and being insertable and removable from the support system.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of container surfaces comprises a window positioned to provide a view of the product in the apparatus closed position.

18. An apparatus having an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position, the apparatus comprising:

a container comprising a plurality of container surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of container surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and at least one slot in a front container surface or a back container surface of the plurality of container surfaces;

a lever system comprising a cover, a plurality of other surfaces, and a hinge mechanism on one of the plurality of other surfaces, wherein the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and

a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system to form a hinge through the at least one slot of the container, the hinge configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and configured to slide along the at least one slot in the apparatus open position,

wherein a surface of the plurality of other surfaces of the lever system comprises one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the front container surface or the back container surface of the container comprises the other of the locking peg or the locking hole, and

wherein the locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge from sliding along the single slot in the apparatus closed position.

19. An apparatus having an apparatus closed position and an apparatus open position, the apparatus comprising:

a container comprising a plurality of container surfaces, a cavity within the plurality of container surfaces, an orifice through which the cavity is accessible, and at least one slot in at least one of the plurality of container surfaces, wherein the plurality of container surfaces comprises a front container surface, a back container surface, a bottom container surface, and

side container surfaces, wherein the at least one slot is in the front container surface or the back container surface;

a lever system comprising a cover, a surface extending from the cover, and a hinge mechanism on the surface, wherein the cover is configured to cover the orifice in the apparatus closed position; and

a complementary hinge mechanism coupled with the hinge mechanism of the lever system to form a hinge through the at least one slot of the container, the hinge configured to permit the container and the lever system to rotate relative to each other between the apparatus closed position and the apparatus open position and configured to slide along the at least one slot in the apparatus open position.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cover of the lever system comprises one of a locking peg or a locking hole, and the container further comprises the other of the locking peg or the locking hole, and

wherein the locking hole receives the locking peg in the apparatus closed position to prevent the hinge from sliding along the at least one slot in the apparatus closed position.