Abstract:
A cosmetic case is provided that includes a frame and a plurality of vertically tiered compartments for the storage of cosmetics and other personal items. The compartments of the plurality are independent and can each pivot laterally to an open position about a pivot shaft associated with the frame. The case is provided with a mirror which can occupy either a storage position or a viewing position. The mirror storage position can be located in the frame or in a compartment, preferably an uppermost compartment that is hinged on a horizontal axis. Optionally, the case can include a second pivot shaft enabling desired compartments each to pivot in an opposed lateral direction to an open position so that more than one compartment can be opened without interfering with access. Preferably the compartments are provided with a releasable retaining means in the closed position, and preferably the frame is provided with a carrying member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is based on a previously filed U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/672,830 filed Apr. 19, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a cosmetic case and, in particular, to a portable cosmetic case having a plurality of readily accessible storage compartments and a retractable mirror.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Handbags of various shapes and sizes have been used for many years. One disadvantage of many handbags is the inability to organize the materials stored in the bag in a manner that renders those materials readily accessible. Portable cases for cosmetics have been developed with a number of vertically tiered compartments which can be used to store various items for easy access. For example, the case could store cosmetic materials, keys, and even cell phones in an organized and readily accessible manner.  
         [0004]     However, such cases do not contain a mirror which can be stored when not in use and which can be retrieved for use in applying cosmetics. There is a need for a portable case with a plurality of vertically tiered compartments which incorporates such a mirror.  
         [0005]     The present invention provides not only such a mirror-incorporating case but also other new features which greatly enhance the utility of the case.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention relates to a cosmetic case with a plurality of independently openable compartments for the storage of cosmetics and other materials which also incorporates a mirror which is storable when not in use yet can be retrieved for purposes of viewing as when cosmetics are being applied.  
         [0007]     The case incorporates a frame in which the compartment plurality is located. The frame includes a lower deck portion, an upper deck portion, and an intervening back portion interconnected therebetween. The upper deck portion and the lower deck portion are preferably each generally flattened and extend in spaced, parallel relationship relative to each other. The back portion preferably extends vertically between the upper deck portion and the lower deck portion and preferably has a perimeter that defines a parallelogram whose upper and lower edge regions are in spaced, parallel relationship relative to each other.  
         [0008]     Preferably the upper deck and the lower deck each have a similarly sized and configured perimeter. This perimeter defines a forward region and a rear region, and the respective opposite ends of each region meet at a location that defines an acute angle. Preferably, the perimeter defines two acute angles, preferably the rear region extends straight, and preferably the forward region extends outwardly from the rear region. The perimeter thus preferably defines a geometric shape which is preferably regular or bilaterally symmetrical, such as a triangle, a trapezoid, a hemicircle, or the like. Although a case can be formed to have various shapes, it is preferred to have a case shape with perpendicular sides and shape when viewed in perspective.  
         [0009]     The compartments are similarly constituted with each having a preferably flattened bottom panel and a continuously extending raised or outstanding side edge about the perimeter, thereby defining an upwardly opening compartment cavity, though the compartments can, if desired, have various side edge heights and cavity volumes. The compartment plurality is in a vertically tiered arrangement, where each compartment is in a closed position, yet each compartment can be independently opened in a lateral direction in which each compartment pivots or rotates about a pivot shaft member.  
         [0010]     To provide compartment pivotability, a pivot shaft member preferably extends between the upper deck portion and the lower deck portion and adjacent to the back portion and to one acute angle. Each compartment includes connection means for pivotably associating it with an adjacent portion of the pivot shaft member.  
         [0011]     In a case, the mirror can be stored in either a portion of the frame or in a portion of a compartment and can be viewed by movement of either the mirror or an associated compartment, as provided. In the frame stored location, the mirror, when drawn, can be positioned vertically or angularly for viewing and supported by the case. In the compartment stored location, the mirror can be viewed by opening an uppermost compartment or, if provided optionally, the lid of such compartment.  
         [0012]     Each case preferably includes releasable means for retaining each compartment in its closed position.  
         [0013]     Also, each case preferably includes means for holding, suspending and transporting the case.  
         [0014]     Optionally a case may include a second pivot shaft member that similarly extends relative to the first pivot shaft member but is located adjacent to the second acute angle. This second pivot shaft member, when duly associated with a compartment&#39;s connection means, enables a desired one or more of the compartments to pivot is a lateral direction that is opposite to that of compartments associated through their respective connection means with the first pivot shaft member. One feature and advantage of this arrangement is that more than one compartment can be independently opened for use without impeding use of another open compartment.  
         [0015]     Optionally, an uppermost compartment, or a lid portion thereof, can be associated with hinge means so that this compartment or its lid can be opened independently of lower compartments.  
         [0016]     Other objects, aims, purposes, features, benefits, advantages, embodiments and the like will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying disclosure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     In the drawings which comprise a portion of this disclosure:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective front view of a first embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention wherein the case is supported and suspended by a chain or strap;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view similar to  FIG. 1  but showing dashed lines for portions of certain components and showing a compartment of the cosmetic case in an opened position and the mirror in an extended position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective rear view of the cosmetic case of  FIG. 1  showing dashed lines for portions of certain components and showing the mirror in a retracted, stored position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the cosmetic case of  FIG. 1  showing dashed lines for portions of certain components  FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the cosmetic case of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view similar to  FIG. 4  but showing a compartment in an open position with dashed lines showing position of certain components when the compartment is closed;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the cosmetic case of  FIG. 1  showing dashed lines for portions of certain components;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken radially and perpendicularly through the back wall and adjacent lateral portions of the cosmetic case of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  but showing the mirror in the extended position shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective rear view of an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention showing an alternative construction for storing the mirror in a retracted, stored position and showing dashed lines for portions of certain components;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken radially and perpendicularly along the line  11 - 11  through the back wall and adjacent lateral portions of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary front perspective view of the upper portion of an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention wherein the uppermost compartment is hingably connected to an adjacent upper portion of the base frame and showing dashed and phantom lines for portions of certain components;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the upper portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  showing the hinged uppermost compartment in a closed position and showing dashed lines for portions of certain components;  
         [0030]      FIG. 14 a  fragmentary front perspective view of the upper portion of another alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present invention wherein a pair of adjacent compartments open in opposed directions relative to each other;  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  showing dashed lines for portions of one component; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 16  is a horizontal sectional view taken below the top wall of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  showing the pair of adjacent compartments in their respective closed positions. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]      FIGS. 1-9  shows an embodiment  10  of a cosmetic case of the present invention. The cosmetic case  10  comprises a base frame  12  that includes a lower portion  14 , an upper portion  16 , and a mid- (or medial or back) portion  18 . The back portion  18  extends between the respective opposed rear edges  20  and  22  of the lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16 . The lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16  each preferably flat and preferably have similar perimeters. Preferably they extend in vertically spaced, parallel relationship relative to each other although diagonal but parallel arrangements can be used if desired. The back portion  18  is preferably flat and preferably extends perpendicularly between the lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16  although the back portion can extend diagonally between the portions  14  and  16  of desired. Preferably the back portion  18  has a perimeter that defines a parallelogram with upper and lower edge portions that are in spaced, parallel relationship relative to each other. More preferably, the parallelogram is rectangular.  
         [0034]     Preferably a case of the invention has a right angle relationship between the components, but, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, such a relationship is not required. Other configurations can be employed as when a particular artistic effect or appearance is desired, or when a case is to conform to a particular location, or the like. A back portion  18  may have a perimeter that is configured, for example, as a trapezoid, and the upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14  may be laterally offset one relative to the other, etc. Similarly, and correspondingly, the plurality of compartments  26 , as described and explained below, that is situated in the frame  12 , may, if desired, have a configuration that conforms to the general geometric configuration of the frame  12 , or otherwise if desired.  
         [0035]     As is characteristic of the frame  12  of all embodiments of this invention, the frame  12  and its portions  14 ,  16  and  18  can be variously fabricated of, for example, molded plastic (presently preferred), molded filled plastic, compositions of resin and molded wood or paper waste, covered cardboard or masonite, painted or padded sheet metal, and the like. Individually fabricated components of subassemblies may if necessary or desirable be fastened together with conventional fastening means (including suitable adhesives, weldments, joining screws, rivets, nut and bold assemblies, etc.). Fabrication materials of relatively high structural integrity and light weight are preferred.  
         [0036]     The upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14  preferably have similar sizes and configurations and generally matching respective perimeters. This perimeter can be considered to define a forward region and a rear region. The respective opposite ends of each such region meet whereby an opposite end of the rear region meets an opposite end of the forward region and an acute angle is defined therebetween. Thus, the perimeter defines two opposed acute angles preferably located on respective opposing sides thereof, and preferably these acute angles are about equal in size. Preferably, regarding the perimeter, the rear region extends straight and the forward region extends outwardly relative to the rear region to define a desired geometric configuration. For example, the perimeter of the upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14  can define a triangle, a parallelogram, a hemi-circle (presently preferred) wherein the diameter corresponds to the rear region, or otherwise as desired.  
         [0037]     The case  10  incorporates a pivot shaft member  24  that extends preferably perpendicularly between the lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16  adjacent to the back portion  18  and also adjacent to one of the acute angles. Thus, the pivot shaft member  24  can extend so as to be adjacent one of the two acute angles located at each rear corner  27  of each compartment  26 . The pivot shaft member  24  can be comprised of heavy steel wire, extruded plastic or the like.  
         [0038]     The case  10  includes a plurality (preferably in the range from about 4 to 8) of independent compartments  26  for storing and transporting cosmetic and like materials. An inner surface of a compartment can include a magnetic portion or a clip (not shown) for holding a cosmetic brush or the like. Each compartment  26  has a perimeter that is preferably similar to that of the upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14  so that all such perimeters are similar and preferably about the same. The compartment  26  plurality is preferably arranged in a vertically layered and aligned sequence and the plurality is preferably positioned (located) between the lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16  and also adjacent to the back portion  18 .  
         [0039]     Each compartment  26  comprises preferably flat bottom panel  28  that preferably has the indicated perimeter that is common in size and configuration to the lower portion  14  and the upper portion  16 . A continuously extending, raised side edge  30  that preferably is vertically upstanding (when viewed externally) is provided about the perimeter of the bottom panel  28 . In each compartment  26 , the height of the raised side edge  30  can be the same as in other compartments  26 , or the edge  30  can vary in height from one compartment  26  to the next. An upwardly opening cavity  31  is thus defined by the panel  28  and the side edge  30  in each compartment  26 . Compartments  26  of the same compartment plurality can have same or differing volumes can be provided as may be desired. In accord with the perimeter contour of the upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14 , with which the perimeter of panel  28  of each compartment  26  is preferably similar, the spaced, opposed rear corner portions  27  of each compartment  26  each define an acute angle. Thus, a compartment  26  has two such acute angles which are preferably similar in size and configuration.  
         [0040]     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a compartment plurality is preferably configured to fit into a frame  12 , as indicated. However, if desired, the individual compartments  26 , though vertically tiered and adjacent to one another, may be inclined relative to a (hypothetical) vertical, and the side edges  30  may, if desired, be similarly inclined. Each compartment  26  can be formed of a material such as above indicated for the frame  12 . In addition, the exterior surface of each compartment and the frame  12  can be decorated, for example, with crystals, sequins, faux fur and the like.  
         [0041]     Each compartment  26  adjacent a corner portion  27  thereof is adapted to accommodate a laterally adjacent portion of the pivot shaft means  24  when the compartment  26  plurality is associated with the base  12  and is in its vertically layered and aligned tiered sequence with each compartment  26  cavity being upwardly oriented. Each compartment  26  has connection means for pivotably independently associating each compartment  26  with an adjacent portion of the pivot shaft means  24 . Various connection means such as are known to art can be employed, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.  
         [0042]     For simplicity, a present preference for the connection means is to define a hole or opening  32  in the bottom panel  28  in the area of a corner portion  27  thereof which opening  32  is adjacent to, or situated to accommodate therethrough the pivot shaft means  24 . The opening  32  preferably can extend also through a preferably locally thickened area in raised side edge  30  which can provide an elongated opening  32  that is desirable for purposes of stabilizing the pivot movement of a compartment  26  relative to a pivot shaft means  24 . Each of the openings  32  in the compartments  26  is such that. When the pivot shaft means  24  is extended therethrough, each compartment  26  is pivotable relative to the pivot shaft means  24 . During assembly of the case  10 , the pivot shaft means  24  can be, if desired, conveniently slidably extended progressively through the openings  32  defined in each of the members  26  of the compartment plurality. In the assembly, respective opposite ends of the pivot shaft means  24  are each conveniently engaged terminally with the upper portion  16  and the lower portion  14  by conventional means, including, for example, blind rivets, adhesively bonded clamps, self-threading nuts, or the like. Thus, each compartment  26  can swing independently laterally outwardly to one side away from the mid-portion  18  and the closed plurality of compartments  26  to an open position for access to a compartment  26 . If desired, washers or spacer sleeves, not detailed, can be positioned on the pivot shaft means between adjacent compartments  26 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each compartment  26  is seen to include on a side edge  30  an exteriorly located extension (or knob or fingerhold)  24  to facilitate opening and moving of each compartment  26 . To hold or retain the plurality of compartments  26  each in a closed position for purposes of movement or transport of the case  10  various retainer means can be employed. For one preferred example applicable to the compartment plurality, a strap  36  or the like can be employed, if desired. For instance, the strap  36  can be secured at its upper end to the upper portion  16  by a rivet, screw or the like, and can have a snap buckle  38  or the like secured at its lower end that is adapted to engage a correspondingly mateable tab  40  that is itself located along the lower portion  14 , thereby to maintain the compartment  26  plurality in a closed configuration.  
         [0044]     The compartments  26  of the compartment plurality when pivoted to their respective closed positions can also be individually disassociatively associated in their respective closed positions with the frame  12 . For example, a snap-fit or friction-fit engagement can be provided between adjacent compartments or preferably between each compartment  26  and an adjacent portion of the frame  12 . A conventional spring biased detent button and its housing can be mounted in or on the back portion  18  conveniently at or near a rear corner  27  of each compartment  26  and a mating receiving socket can be located on a side edge  30  or panel  28  each compartment  26  in a position where the socket reversably engages the detent button when the associated compartment  26  is adjacent the detent button in a compartment  26  closed configuration.  
         [0045]     To facilitate movement, carrying or transport of case  10 , a handle, chain, or the like can be associated therewith. For example, each of the opposite ends of a chain or strap  42  can be secured to a different opposed upper side of the mid-portion  18  or of the upper portion  16 . The chain or strap  42  can either be permanently or releasably secured to the case  10 , as may be desired. Preferably, as shown in the embodiments illustrated, the extensions  34  are preferably offset relative to the strap  36  to avoid interference.  
         [0046]     A case  10  is preferably provided with an internally storable mirror that can remain in storage in the case until use thereof is desired. Various arrangements can be employed. For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the back  18  can define on a rear face thereof a recessed receiving slot  44  for receiving a mirror  46  from a slot end or side. The mirror  46  can be slidably positioned within the slot  44  so as to achieve a first or storage position for mirror  46 . The mirror  46  can be slidably extended from the slot  44  to a second or viewable (or use) position, which can be vertical or angled. The slot  44  is preferably configured so that the mirror  46  can be slidably extended upwardly from storage position to the use position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . Alternatively, the mirror and the a lot  44  can be arranged to that the mirror can be moved slidably laterally outwardly to either side of the back portion  18  (not shown) before entering a use position. The slot  44  can include guide members or flanges  48  for retaining the mirror  46  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , if desired.  
         [0047]     Alternatively, the slot  44  can be enclosed within the back portion  18  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , for example. In either case, the mirror  46  can include an extension (or fingerhold)  34  to facilitate grasping the mirror  46 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the mirror  46 , extended from the slot  44 ,  46  can be angled back and received into a channel  50  defined in the back-portion  18  (see  FIG. 9 ) for ease in viewing. Thus, the case  10  can hold the mirror  46  in a vertical slot (not shown) defined in the back portion  18 . As a result, the case  10  has a second position defining a mirror holding position defined by an auxiliary, preferably angularly extending second slot defined in said frame adjacent to said first slot, this second slot being adapted for receiving a lower portion of the mirror  46  when mirror  45  is removed from a first or storage position, whereby said mirror is supported at an inclined angle for viewing.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show an alternative embodiment of the inventive case in which a rearward portion of an uppermost compartment  52  that preferably is similar to a compartment  26  of the compartment plurality is pivotably connected above and over a rearward portion of the upper portion  16  by means of a horizontally oriented hinge  54 , such as a hinge of the so-called piano type. Alternatively, the rearward portion of the compartment  52  can be hinged to an upper end region of the back portion  18 . The outside surface of the bottom panel  28  can be provided with a mirror  56  which when the compartment  52  is inclined can be viewed. The panel  28  can be provided with a flat arm which can be temporarily erected so that th lower end thereof abuts against the upper portion  16  when the compartment  52  is inclined to prop the compartment  52  in an open position.  
         [0049]     In a further alternative, the compartment  52  can be provided with a lid member having a rear edge portion that is pivotably connected to a rearward portion of the compartment  52  by means of a horizontally oriented hinge  54 . The inside surface of the lid member can be associated with a mirror  56 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . When the lid member is pivotably elevated, the mirror  56  is visible and usable. The lid member can be provided with a flat arm which can be temporarily erected so that the lower end thereof abuts against the inside of the panel  28  when the lid member of compartment  52  is inclined thereby to prop the lid member up in an open position.  
         [0050]     When the mirror  56  is associated with the compartment  52  or the lid thereof, the compartments  26  of the underlying or lower compartment plurality can be maintained in their respective closed configurations, if desired, by a retaining means, such as the strap  36  and the snap buckle  38 /tab  40  assembly as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , or otherwise as desired.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 14-16  show an additional embodiment  10 ′ of a case  10 ′ of the invention. Components similar to case  10  are similarly numbered but with the addition of prime marks for identification purposes. The case  10 ′ includes a frame  12 ′ having a lower portion  14 ′, an upper portion  16 ′ and a back portion  18 ′ extending therebetween. In a preferred embodiment  10 ′, the back-portion  18 ′ extends between opposed rear edges  20 ′ and  22 ′ of the lower portion  14 ′ and the upper portion  16 ′, respectively, similarly to embodiment  10 . In embodiment  10 ′, a pair of pivot shaft members  24   a  and  24   b  are provided that extend in parallel, opposed relationship relative to the back portion  18 ′ and adjacent to each rear corner  21  of each compartment  26 ′. A plurality of tiered compartments  26 ′ for storing cosmetic and like materials is provided and positioned in a stacked relationship between the lower portion  14 ′ and the upper portion  16 ′. The compartments  26 ′ are constructed conveniently and preferably similarly to the compartments  26  of  FIGS. 1-9  and include a bottom panel  28 ′ defining a compartment perimeter and a continuously extending raised edge  30 ′ about the perimeter.  
         [0052]     As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 , the height of the raised edge  30 ′ can be the same for each compartment  26 ′ or can vary from one compartment  26 ′ to another. For example, the height of the raised edge  30 ′ and thus the depth and volume of the cavity in a compartment  26 ′ can be increased, if desired, to accommodate a cell phone or similar item. In this example, fewer compartments could be used or the back portion  18 ′ could be lengthened, if desired.  
         [0053]     Each bottom panel  28 ′ of a compartment  26 ′ defines an opening  32 ′ preferably in one side of the rear portion thereof for receiving either pivot shaft member  24   a  or  24   b . In a preferred embodiment, compartments  26 ′ each include openings  32 ′ in opposed sides of their respective bottom panels  28 ′ relative to the location of the opening  32 ′ in an adjacent compartment  26 ′. In place of an opening  32 ′, a compartment  26 ′ can be provided with a notch like indentation which permits a selected compartment  26 ′ to by-pass a particular pivot shaft member  24   a  or  24   b . The compartments  26 ′ can be assembled with respective ones of either shaft member  24   a  or  24   b . As a result, compartments  26 ′ of the compartment plurality can be arranged so that each pivotably swings about one of the respective pivot members  24   a  and  24   b  with selected ones of each compartment  26 ′ pivoting in one lateral direction and others of the compartments pivoting in the opposed lateral direction as illustrated for example in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . Thus, this arrangement provides for convenient access to two or more adjacent compartments  26 ′ at the same time without one compartment blocking access to another compartment.  
         [0054]     As indicated, each compartment  26 ′ preferably includes (in the end opposed to the end having the opening  32 ′) a cutaway segment  58  which allows a compartment  26 ′ to be closed without engaging the opposite pivot member  24   a  or  24   b , as the case may be (see, for example,  FIGS. 14 and 15 ).  
         [0055]     A handle, strap  36 ′ or the like can be provided. For example, strap  36 ′ can be in association with a snap buckle  38 ′/tab  40 ′ assembly, as described above, or otherwise as may be desired, to maintain the compartments  26 ′ each in a closed position. As an alternative, a friction-fit engagement can be provided to secure the compartments  26 ′ each in a closed position whereby the height of the raised side edge  30 ′ in the area of the cutaway segment  58  of each compartment  26 ′ is slightly increased so that the edges of the cutaway segment  58  of one compartment  26 ′ press against the bottom panel  28 ′ or raised edge  30 ′ of an adjacent compartment.  
         [0056]     The embodiment of  FIGS. 14-16  can include any of the mirror constructions shown in  FIGS. 1-13  as described above.  
         [0057]     It will be readily apparent from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this invention.