Abstract:
A container adapted to seal the internal contents against exposure to the external environment when not is use includes a cover hingeably coupled to a base and a latch closure mechanism. At least one opening extends completely through the base. The interior surface of the cover is adapted to sealingly engage the opening in the base when the cover is pivoted against the base. A separate seal is provided to cover the opening at the bottom surface of the base to hold product within the opening between the interior surface of the cover and the seal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/109,964 and 60/109,972 both filed on Nov. 25, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a container for holding a product. In particular, the present invention relates to a container adapted to seal the internal contents against exposure to the external environment when not in use, and to a novel method for efficiently filling the container with a sample of product. 
     Containers used to store products such as cosmetics are well known in the art. For example, a standard compact for holding a non-volatile cosmetic product typically includes a lid or a cover coupled to a base by a hinge. The cover can be pivoted about the hinge to expose the cosmetic product which is typically stored in a recessed compartment or well in the base. A latch is commonly provided to keep the cover in contact with the base when the cover is closed. While the latch is effective in keeping the cover of the container closed, it does not, in and of itself, provide an airtight seal to prevent dry cosmetic product from absorbing moisture from the air, or, conversely, to prevent the volatile chemical components of some cosmetics from evaporating. 
     Many containers available today provide airtight seals. Such airtight containers typically utilize screw caps, liners and gaskets, additional covers, and combinations thereof to seal the internal contents against exposure to the external environment when not in use. The present invention has been developed to improve over prior art airtight containers and to allow for efficient filling of the container with product. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, in accordance with the present invention, an airtight container adapted to be filled with a sample of product, such as cosmetic product, is provided. The container includes a cover and a base each having interior and exterior surfaces and front and rear edges. The cover and base are pivotably coupled together at the rear edges thereof by a hinge. A latch mechanism or other common closure device is provided at the front edges of the cover and base to releasably secure the cover to the base when the container is closed. 
     When closed, the cover and base are compressively loaded by virtue of the construction of the hinge, the cover and base construction, and the latch. Compressive force results, in part, from the hinge height being less than the overall height of the container (i.e., the combined height of the cover and base). More particularly, when the cover is closed and latched, a compressive force is created as a result of the hinge being pulled to accommodate the height difference. 
     A preferred hinge mechanism includes one or more curved protrusions extending from the interior surface of the cover proximate to the rear edge of the cover that are adapted to engage corresponding slots extending through the base proximate to the rear edge of the base when the cover is articulated against the base to close the container. The protrusions extend into cavities or undercuts formed in the bottom of the base and lock against the rear edge of the base to pull the cover tightly against the base. Additionally, a living hinge may be provided between adjacent slots to pivotably connect the cover to the base. 
     An alternative hinge arrangement may take the form of a flexible planar connector joining the rear edge of the cover and the rear edge of the base. The flexible connector may extend along part or substantially all of the length of the rear edge of the container. 
     Also, the flexible connector between the rear edges of the cover and base may be provided with one or more hemispherical projections extending therefrom in registration with slots or undercuts defined in the exterior surface of the rear edge of the base. The protrusions engage the slots or undercuts when the cover is closed against the base and compress the cover against the base. 
     The base of the container according to the present invention includes an opening extending completely therethrough. A raised area or other suitable sealing member provided on the interior surface of the cover engages the opening in the interior surface of the base to form a seal with the opening when the cover is pivoted with respect to the base to close the container. The raised area extends only partially through the opening to allow space for the product to be introduced into the opening through the bottom of the base during filling of the container. 
     Filling of the container is accomplished by either (i) applying product to the surface of a separate seal such as a label or plastic sheet, and then affixing the seal over the opening in the base at the bottom of the base such that the product is introduced into the opening and is held in the space between the raised area and the seal, or, alternatively, by (ii) applying product through the opening in the base directly onto the surface of the raised area and then covering the opening with a separate seal such that the product is held in the space between the raised area and the seal. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved product sample container and method for filling the container with product. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a container capable of sealing the internal contents against exposure to the external environment in a substantially airtight manner when not in use. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a container that may be filled with a sample of product in an efficient manner. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the following detailed specification. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of component parts, as well as the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cosmetic sampler container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in an open position; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cosmetic container depicted in FIG. 1 taken along lines  2 — 2  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the container according to the present invention illustrating a preferred method of filling the container with product; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the container depicted in FIG. 3 in an open position as it is used; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the container according to the present invention illustrating an alternative method of filling the container with product; 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the container depicted in FIG. 5 in an open position as it is used; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a preferred hinge construction of the container according to the present invention, the container shown in an open position; 
     FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 demonstrating the preferred hinge construction depicted in FIG. 7 as the container is being closed; 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 demonstrating the preferred hinge construction depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 when the container is closed; 
     FIG. 10 is sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the container according to the present invention employing a flexible hinge connector, the container shown in an open position; 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the container depicted in FIG. 10 shown in a closed, sealed position; 
     FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of an alternative hinge construction of another embodiment of the container according to the present invention, the container shown in an open position; 
     FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 demonstrating the alternative hinge construction depicted in FIG. 12 as the container is being closed; and 
     FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 12 and 13 demonstrating the alternative hinge construction depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 when the container is closed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the drawings where like numerals indicate like elements, FIG. 1 shows a container according to the present invention which is generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The container  10  is preferably formed or molded from a suitable plastic material or metal. Although container  10  shown in FIG. 1 has a preferred substantially rectangular shape, it should be understood that the container is not limited to this particular shape. 
     Container  10  includes a cover  12  and a base  14 . Cover  12  and base  14  are pivotably connected at their respective rear edges  16  and  18  by a hinge mechanism  19 . The construction and arrangement of hinge mechanism  19 , which will be described in greater detail hereafter, permits cover  12  to pivot between an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. 
     Container  10  further includes a suitable closure mechanism for securing cover  12  in removable engagement with base  14  when the cover is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, the closure mechanism is preferably a latch assembly including a latch member  20  and a mating engagement slot  21  provided at respective front ends  22  and  24  of cover  12  and base  14 . It should be understood, however, that other suitable conventional closure mechanisms may be utilized to secure cover  12  to base  14 , for example, a push-button assembly, a friction fit assembly, or a magnetic assembly. 
     As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, base  14  has an interior surface  26  and an exterior or bottom surface  28 . An opening  30  is provided completely through base  14  and is defined by perimeter walls  31 . Opening  30  is sized to accommodate a preselected amount of product, such as, for example, a cosmetic product  32 , as will be described in greater detail hereafter. 
     Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 2, interior surface  26  of base  14  may include one or more recessed compartments or wells such as well  34  for housing additional items such as, for example, a product applicator or brush  35  shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Although opening  30  and well  34  shown in FIG. 1 each have a preferred elongated oval shape extending transversely across base  14 , it should be understood that the opening and the well are not limited to this particular shape. 
     Cover  12  has an interior surface  36  and an exterior or top surface  37 . As best shown in FIG. 2, a preferred raised area  38  having a surface  39  and defining perimeter walls  40  extends from interior surface  36 . Raised area  38  has a size and shape that sufficiently corresponds to the size and shape of opening  30  to enable the raised area to engage the opening. Desirably, when cover  12  is closed against base  14 , raised area  38  extends a sufficient distance into opening  30  such that perimeter walls  40  of area  38  abut against perimeter walls  31  of the opening to form a seal at the opening. 
     Although it is preferred to utilize raised area  38  to sealingly engage opening  30 , it should be understood, however, that other suitable sealing mechanisms, such as, for example, valve or gasket type seals, may be employed to seal interior surface  36  of cover  12  with respect to opening  30 . 
     As indicated above, cover  12  and base  14  are pivotably connected at their respective rear edges  16  and  18  by a hinge mechanism. When closed, cover  12  and base  14  are compressively loaded by virtue of the construction of the hinge, the cover and base construction, and the latch. It should be understood that the compressive force results from the height of the hinge being less than the overall height of container  10 . More particularly, when cover  12  is closed against base  14  and latched thereto, a compressive force is created as a result of the hinge being pulled to accommodate the height difference. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7,  8 , and  9 , a preferred hinge mechanism  19  includes one or more spaced apart curved protrusions  42  extending from interior surface  36  of cover  12  proximate to rear edge  16  of the cover. Curved protrusions  42  engage corresponding spaced apart transverse slots  44  in base  14  proximate to rear edge  18 . Slots  44 , also depicted in FIG. 1, extend completely through base  14  and open into corresponding spaced apart cavities or undercuts  46  formed in bottom surface  28 . As cover  12  is articulated against base  14  in the operation of closing container  10  (FIGS.  7  and  8 ), protrusions  42  engage slots  44  and curve about rear edge  18  of the base (FIG. 8) to lock under and against the rear edge (FIG.  9 ). The combined effect of this preferred hinge arrangement and the height difference between the hinge and the overall height of the container is to compressively load the cover and base when the cover is latched closed. 
     Although not depicted in the drawings, it should be understood that protrusions  42  and corresponding slots  44  may be positioned outside of the side walls of the cover and base on extensions of respective rear edges  16  and  18  which extend laterally beyond the side walls of the cover and base. 
     While not required, it is desirable to provide a living hinge  48  to connect cover  12  and base  14  in the regions between adjacent slots  44 , as best shown in FIG.  7 . Also, it should be understood that a conventional pin hinge or other suitable hinge may be employed in lieu of living hinge  48 . In the absence of living hinge  48  or other suitable hinge, compression is produced by protrusions  42  engaging corresponding slots  44  and base undercuts  46 . 
     In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, the hinge mechanism may take the form of a substantially planar flexible connector  50  joining rear edge  16   a  of top surface  37  of cover  12  to rear edge  18   a  of bottom surface  28  of base  14 . The flexible connector may extend along a portion of or substantially the entire length of container  10 . A compressive force closing cover  12  against base  14  (FIG. 11) results from the height of connector  50  being less than the overall height of container  10 . 
     FIGS. 12,  13 , and  14  depict another embodiment of a hinge mechanism employing an alternative flexible connector  52 . Flexible connector  52  joins rear edge  16   a  of top surface  37  of cover  12  to rear edge  18   a  of bottom surface  28  of base  14 . Flexible connector  52  includes one or more spaced apart, preferably hemispherical, projections  54  extending therefrom in registration with corresponding receiving slots or undercuts  56  defined in bottom surface  28  of base  14 . Projections  54  engage undercuts  56  when cover  12  is closed against base  14 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 12,  13 , and  14 , as cover  12  is pivoted against base  14  in the operation of closing container  10  (FIGS.  12  and  13 ), projections  54  engage undercuts  56 , and a medial region  58  of connector  52  abuts against rear edge  18  of the base (FIG.  13 ). Cover  12  pivots about rear edge  16   a  to abut against flexible connector  52  (FIG.  14 ). The combined effect of this hinge arrangement and the height difference between the height of the flexible connector and the overall height of the container is to compressively load the cover and base when the cover is latched closed. 
     Although not indicated in the drawings, it should be appreciated that the foregoing hinged container constructions according to the present invention may have application with respect to containers other than cosmetic containers in which the mechanisms for closing the container constitute the entire container. For example, the hinged constructions according to the present invention may be employed on the neck of a larger separate container such as a shampoo bottle or the like. 
     FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the operation of filling container  10  with a preselected amount of product, such as cosmetic product  32 . As shown in FIG. 3, the filling of container  10  with product  32  is preferably accomplished by first applying the product to a surface  60  of a separate seal  62  such as an adhesive label or plastic sheet. Seal  62  is then adhered or otherwise affixed to bottom surface  28  of base  14  of closed container  10  such that the seal completely covers opening  30  and the product is introduced into and sealed in the opening in the space between the seal and surface  39  of raised area  38  of cover  12 . 
     It should be understood that a substantially airtight seal is effected in container  10  by virtue of the construction and arrangement of cover  12  and base  14  as discussed in detail above, and the sealing of opening  30 . 
     Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 5, the filling of container  10  with a preselected amount of product  32  may be accomplished by first applying the product through opening  30  in bottom surface  28  of base  14  of the closed container directly onto surface  39  of raised area  38  which is exposed through the opening. Opening  30  is then covered with separate seal  62  to hold the product in the space between seal  62  and surface  39  of raised area  38 . The sealing of opening  30  in conjunction with the construction and arrangement of cover  12  and base  14  as discussed above achieves a substantially airtight seal in container  10 . 
     It should be appreciated that base  14  can be provided with more than one opening to accommodate a plurality of product samples in a single container  10 . 
     Opening cover  12  of container  10  exposes product  32  for use. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the surface onto which product  32  was applied during filling of container  10  is the surface from which the product may be withdrawn for use. 
     As discussed above, a preferred method of filling container  10  with a preselected amount of product  32  involves applying the product to surface  60  of seal  62  and then adhering the seal to bottom surface  28  of base  14  of closed container  10  such that the seal covers opening  30  and the product is sealed in the opening in the space between the seal and surface  39  of raised area  38  of cover  12 . As illustrated in FIG. 4, as a result of this operation, product  32  resides on surface  60  of seal  62  in opening  30  and may be withdrawn therefrom (e.g., by brush  35 ) when cover  12  is opened to expose the product. 
     An alternative method of filling container  10  with product  32  as discussed above involves applying the product through opening  30  in bottom surface  28  of base  14  of the closed container directly onto surface  39  of raised area  38  (which is exposed through the opening) and then covering the opening with seal  62  to seal the product in the space between the seal and the surface of the raised area. As illustrated in FIG. 6, as a result of this operation, product  32  resides on surface  39  of raised area  38  and may be withdrawn therefrom (e.g., by brush  35 ) when cover  12  is opened to expose the product. 
     In summary, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention provide a substantially airtight product container having a novel construction that may be filled with product in an easy and efficient fashion. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and depicted in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.