Abstract:
Methods and systems for organizing cosmetics are disclosed. One cosmetic case system includes a body having a series of compartments that lock cosmetic containers into the compartment for ease of storage and use. In one set of embodiments, the containers are removable from the cosmetic case. In other embodiments, the containers are an integral part of the cosmetic case. The compartments include ridges that aid in locking the cosmetic containers into the compartments. Several of these cosmetic case bodies can be alternatively stacked so that storage capacity is increased. The cosmetic case can include a mirror on a surface of the body. The case can also include a hinged surface for additional storage.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/215,949, filed Aug. 11, 2002, entitled “Cosmetic Organization Systems and Methods,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 09/796,059, filed Feb. 28, 2001. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     I. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetics, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for holding and storing cosmetics.  
         [0004]     II. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Cosmetics (“make-up”) are commonplace in modern society. Cosmetics are used socially by both men and women for aesthetic and practical purposes. Furthermore, cosmetics are used extensively in the performing arts such as theater, film and commercials. Cosmetics are marketed in varying packages and containers and often require the user to store them in bags, purses, make-up kits and the like. Often times the storage of the cosmetics can be burdensome and awkward. People typically have to carry several cosmetics either in their existing bags or special purpose cosmetic bags.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In accordance with the present invention and the contemplated problems which have and continue to exist in this field, the invention features methods and systems for holding and storing cosmetic containers in an organized manner.  
         [0007]     In general, in one aspect, the invention features a cosmetic case, including a body having an upper surface and a substantially continuous side surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and a plurality of is compartments located within the body, the compartment including an opening in the upper surface and an opening in the side surface, wherein the compartments are arranged within the body with respect to a radial direction from the geometric center of the body.  
         [0008]     In one implementation, the compartments further include at least one side wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and a ridge perpendicular to the at least one side wall and substantially parallel to the upper surface.  
         [0009]     In another implementation the case further includes at least one slit in the upper surface substantially parallel and adjacent the ridge.  
         [0010]     In another implementation, the compartments are arranged generally parallel to the radial direction from the geometric center of the body.  
         [0011]     In another implementation, the compartments are arranged at an angle with respect to the radial direction from the geometric center of the body.  
         [0012]     In another implementation, the case further includes cosmetic containers adapted to fit Within the compartments.  
         [0013]     In another implementation, the cosmetic containers are held within the compartments by the ridges.  
         [0014]     In another implementation, the ridges and slits are adapted to deform as the cosmetic containers are placed into and removed from the compartments.  
         [0015]     In still another implementation, the containers include cosmetics.  
         [0016]     In yet another implementation, the containers are adapted to protrude from the opening in the side surface of the body, thereby enabling the removal of an applicator from the container and the body, the applicator located within the container.  
         [0017]     In another aspect, the invention features a case, including a substantially hollow body having an upper surface defined in an upper plane, a lower surface defined in a lower plane and a plurality of side surfaces and at least one compartment located between the upper and lower surfaces, the compartment having an opening on the upper surface and an opening on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, a bottom surface located substantially in the lower plane, at least one side wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a ridge oriented substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantially parallel to the upper and lower planes.  
         [0018]     In one implementation, the case includes a slit in the upper surface and adjacent to the ridge.  
         [0019]     In another implementation, the case includes at least one male connector located on the upper surface.  
         [0020]     In another implementation, the case further includes at least one female connector located on the upper surface.  
         [0021]     In another implementation, the case includes a mirror located in the upper surface.  
         [0022]     In still another implementation, the case includes a openable surface located substantially in the lower plane and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, the openable surface forming an enclosed cavity within the hollow body.  
         [0023]     In yet another implementation, the case includes a mirror located on the openable surface.  
         [0024]     In another implementation, the case includes a cosmetic container held within the compartment.  
         [0025]     In another implementation, the container is held within the compartment by the ridges.  
         [0026]     In still another aspect, the invention features a cosmetic kit, including at least one cosmetic case comprising a body having an upper surface and a substantially continuous side surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and at least one compartment located within the body, the compartment including an opening in the upper surface and an opening in the side surface, at least one cosmetic container included in the at least one compartment and a cosmetic located in the cosmetic container.  
         [0027]     In yet another aspect, the invention features a cosmetic apparatus, including a body having a geometric shape and a plurality of voids adapted to be fitted with cosmetics, the voids being formed within the body and being arranged with respect to radial directions from a geometric center of the body.  
         [0028]     In one implementation, the voids are adapted to be filled directly with cosmetics.  
         [0029]     In another implementation, the voids are adapted to receive a cosmetic container, the container being adapted to be filed with cosmetics.  
         [0030]     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a protrusion connected to each of the voids and arranged with respect to the radial direction of the body.  
         [0031]     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes caps adapted to engage the protrusions, thereby sealing the voids so that the cosmetic filled therein is held within the voids.  
         [0032]     In another implementation, the apparatus further includes cosmetic applicators connected to the caps and held within the container, thereby adapted to be in contact with the cosmetic filled therein.  
         [0033]     In another implementation, the caps are in threaded engagement with the protrusions.  
         [0034]     In another implementation, the voids are arranged generally parallel with respect to the radial directions of the body  
         [0035]     In another implementation, the voids are arranged at an angle with respect to the radial directions of the body.  
         [0036]     In another aspect, the invention features a cosmetic organization device, including a generally rigid body having cosmetics held within the body and arranged generally outward in a radial direction from a geometric center of the body, each of the cosmetics having a cap and an applicator and means to hold the cosmetics within the body.  
         [0037]     One advantage of the apparatus is that many cosmetic containers can be held in a compact and organized case.  
         [0038]     Another advantage is that several cases can be stacked on one another so that a large number of cosmetic containers can be carried together.  
         [0039]     Another advantage is that the invention provides standard sized and shaped cosmetic containers that fit into a standardized case.  
         [0040]     Other features, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying description and drawings, and from the claims.  
         [0041]     Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case having three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers;  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case having three compartments;  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an individual cosmetic case compartment;  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of three stacked cosmetic cases;  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cosmetic case;  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a cosmetic case;  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a cosmetic case having an hinged cover;  
         [0049]      FIG. 8A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case;  
         [0050]      FIG. 8B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case;  
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case having three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers; and  
         [0052]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cosmetic case having three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0053]     Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case  100  having three compartments  105  occupied by cosmetic containers  110 . The case  100  includes a main body  115 , which is generally manufactured from a rigid material. In another embodiment, the body  115  can also be comprised of other flexible materials. The body  115  can be defined between two parallel planes that are described in detail below. One of the planes defines an upper surface  135  of the body  115 , and one of the planes defines the lower portion (not shown) of the body  115 .  
         [0054]     The body  115  includes several compartments  105  located within the body  115 . The compartments  105  are oriented generally between the two parallel planes (described below). The compartments  105  are also generally is arranged radially from a geometric center  116  of the body  115 . Although this radial arrangement is shown in  FIG. 1 , the compartments  105  can also be arranged at an angle with respect to a radial direction from the geometric center  116  of the case  100 . Each of the compartments  105  includes ridges  120  on each of the sides of the compartments  105  that protrude generally into the interior of the compartments  105  and parallel with the surface  135 . The body  115  also includes a series of slits  125  adjacent to the ridges  120 . The slits  125  also run generally parallel with the radial direction of the compartments  105 . The compartments  105  can include a hole  140  located on the bottom portion of the compartments  105 . The compartments can also include a side opening  124 .  
         [0055]     The body  115  further includes several male connectors  130  arranged substantially perpendicular with an upper portion of a surface  135  of the body  115 . In another embodiment, the male connectors  130  are replaced by female connectors (described below).  
         [0056]     The cosmetic case  100  can be used to hold several cosmetic containers  110  within the compartments  105 . In an embodiment, the cosmetic containers  110  are arranged radially outward, or in the alternative at an angle with respect to a radial direction from the geometric center  116 . This arrangement allows a user of the case  100  to have several cosmetic containers  110  in a single case allowing accessibility to the cosmetic containers  110 . The radial arrangement allows for easy accessibility. In other embodiments, the compartments  105  can be arranged in other configurations deviating from the radial arrangement. The cosmetic containers  110  and the compartments  105  can be standardized so that several different cosmetics manufacturers can bottle their products sell them in the cosmetics case  100 . The cosmetic containers  110  can contain any type of cosmetic, including but not limited to nail polish, eye liner, eye shadow, lip liner, lip stick, blush, base and the like. The containers  110  illustrates are typical of the type of container that may be used for nail polish. The container cap can be screwed or pulled off to expose a brush, sponge or similar applicator. It is understood that any type of cosmetic and applicator can be included in the container.  
         [0057]     The cosmetic case  100  can optionally include a mirror  145  connected to the upper surface  135 .  
         [0058]     The case  100  is shown having three cosmetic containers in a generally triangular arrangement in a circular pattern. It is understood that in other embodiments, the case  100  can have fewer or more containers as well as other arrangements and patterns.  
         [0059]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case  200  (of  FIG. 1 ) having three compartments  205 . The case  200  includes a body  215 . The compartments  205  are arranged in a similar manner as described with respect to  FIG. 1 , that is radially outward from a geometric center  216  of the body  215 . The body  215  also includes an upper surface  235 . In this view, the lower portion of the upper surface  235  ( 135  in  FIG. 1 ) is shown. Furthermore, it is shown that there is no lower surface, that is, the body  215  is generally hollow and the compartments  205  are formed within the hollow body  215 . A wall  226  is generally formed around the perimeter of the body  215 . In another embodiment, the body  215  can include a lower surface and the body can either be hollow or solid, except for the compartments  205 , which generally remain hollow in order to fit cosmetic containers (not shown). The compartments  205  include side openings  224 , in which a ridge  220  (ridge  120  in  FIG. 1 ) can be viewed. Slits  225  (slits  125  in  FIG. 1 ) are generally adjacent the ridges  220 . The compartments  205  can also include a hole  240 . The bottom portions  206  of the compartments  205  are shown in this view. The wall  226  has a bottom portion  227  that is flush with the bottom portions  206  of the compartments  205 . In this way, (as is described in more detail below), when the case  200  is laid on a flat surface, both the lower portions  227  of the wall  226  and the lower portions  206  of the compartments  205  can be in contact with that flat surface.  
         [0060]     Female connectors  230  are included in the wall  226 . The female connectors  230  are generally arranged opposite the male connectors (not shown) as described in  FIG. 1 . When the case  200  is laid on a flat surface as described above, the female connectors  230  lay with the flat surface. As described in greater detail below, the female connectors can be connected with male connectors of another cosmetic case so that the cases can be stacked. In this way, when the cases are stacked, the lower portions of the walls of cases as well as the lower portions  206  of the compartments  205  lay flush with the upper surface of a respective case.  
         [0061]     In another embodiment, the female connectors  230  can be male connectors. If the male connectors are formed into the wall  226 , then when the case is laid on a flat surface as described above, the male connectors are in contact with the flat surface and the bottom portions  227  of the wall  226  and the bottom portions  206  of the compartments  205  are generally parallel with the flat surface.  
         [0062]     The body  215  can also include a center hole  250  formed about the geometric center  216  of the body. The hole  250  can be used to hang the is case on a display or the like.  
         [0063]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an individual cosmetic case compartment  300 . The compartment  300  is formed in the body  315  of the cosmetic case, the body having a substantially continuous wall  326 . Only a portion of the body  315  is shown. The body  315  includes an upper surface  335 . The compartment  300  includes a side wall  301  (an opposite side also exists but is not shown), a back wall  302  and a floor  303  that includes a hole  340 . The side walls  304  include openings  324 , which are also part of the floor  303 . A ridge  320  is also included in each compartment above the openings  324 . The ridge  320  is generally perpendicular to the side walls  304 , and substantially parallel to the upper surface  335 . The ridge  320  is illustrated as having a triangular cross section such that a line drawn from the base of the triangle to its apex is parallel to the upper surface. Therefore, the base of this triangular ridge  320  is adjacent and parallel to the side walls  301 . The ridge  320  can be other geometric shapes such as a half circle. However, as is discussed below, whatever the geometric cross section, it is desirable that the ridge  320  allows a container to slide along the ridge  320 .  
         [0064]     The body  315  includes a slit  325  (as described above) adjacent to the is ridge  320 . The compartment  300  further includes an additional front opening  304 . The front opening  304  typically allows cosmetic containers (not shown) to protrude from the compartment  300  for easy access to the container. In addition to being part of the compartment  300  the opening  304  is also an integral part of the wall  326 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 3  also illustrates a partial view of an optional mirror  345  that is typically located on the surface  335 . The body  315  also includes a column  350  connected to the wall  326 . The column  350  typically includes a male connector  331  and an oppositely oriented female connector  330 . The male connector  331  is shown on the bottom portion of the column  350  and the female connector  330  is shown on the top portion of the column  350 . In another embodiment, the male connector  331  is on the top portion of the column  350  and the female connector is on the bottom portion of the column  350 . In yet another implementation, the body  315  does not include the column  350 , the male connector  331  or the female connector  330 . As further discussed below, the presence of the male/female connectors is to aid in stacking several cases.  
         [0066]      FIG. 3  also illustrates two substantially parallel planes  360 ,  370 . The compartment  300  is generally formed between the two planes  360 ,  370 . The surface  335  is generally formed in the upper plane  360 . The floor  303  of the compartment  300  is generally formed in the lower plane  370 . The planes  360 ,  370  are added to the figure for illustrative purposes only.  
         [0067]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of three stacked cosmetic cases  400 . A first case  401  is stacked on a second case  402  that is stacked on a third case  403 . As described above, each of the cases  401 ,  402 ,  403  includes male connectors and female connectors that can be interconnected to allow many cases to be stacked. The third case  403  is shown with three male connectors  430  protruding the bottom of the case  403 . Several cosmetic container  410  are shown protruding from the cases  401 ,.  402 ,  403 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cosmetic case  500 . The case  500  includes a body  515  having several compartments  505 . The body  515  also includes ridges  520  protruding into the compartments, and slits  525  adjacent to the ridges  520 . Each of the compartments  505  includes a cosmetic container  510 . An upper surface  535  of the body  515  can optionally include a mirror  545 . The body also includes male/female connectors  530 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a cosmetic case  600 . The case  600  includes a body  615  having several compartments  605 . The body  615  also includes ridges  620  protruding into the compartments, and slits  625  adjacent to the ridges  620 . Each of the compartments  605  includes a cosmetic container  610 . An upper surface  635  of the body  615  can optionally include a mirror  645 . The body also includes male/female connectors  630 .  
       Operation of an Embodiment of a Cosmetic Case  
       [0070]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the cosmetic case  100  is generally a static apparatus, although during operation there is some dynamic motion in the case. The cosmetic containers  110  remain securely affixed in the respective compartments  105 . A user can retrieve the case  100  from the user&#39;s bag (or other similar carrying apparatus such as a purse, backpack and the like) and access any of the containers  110  when the user desires to use cosmetics. The cap or caps can be removed from the desired containers  110  and the cosmetic can be used in ordinary make-up application routines.  
         [0071]     In an implementation, the use may desire to remove one or more of the containers  110  for a variety of reasons ranging from replacement of the container  110  when the container  110  is empty to a change in desire of the type of container  110  that the user wants to carry in the case  100 . In this situation, the user can remove the container  110  from the case  100  in a variety of ways. The case  100  allows for a secure affixation of the containers  110  in the case  100  but also allows for ease of removal of the containers  110 .  
         [0072]     In one implementation, the user can lift the container  110  out of the case  100  by pulling the container  110  in a direction generally toward the surface  135 . The user can alternatively twist the container  110  within the compartment  105 . The twisting motion is generally about the radial direction away from the geometric center  116  of the case  100 . It is understood that the desired result is to remove the container  110  from the compartment  105 , therefore other motions are possible and contemplated. Regardless of the type of motion chosen by the user, the motions cause the container  110  to push against the ridges  120 . Normally, forces on the ridges  120  from the container  110  from normal use (that is, movements in the user&#39;s bag and use of the container itself) do not shake the container  110  from the hold of the ridges  120  in the compartment  105 . However, when the user applies a greater force in the motions described, the ridges  120  begin to displace away from the container  110 . The slits  125  that lie adjacent the ridges  120  allow this displacement to occur (the openings  224  in  FIG. 2  and  324  in  FIG. 3  also allow the displacement to occur). Therefore, as the container  110  presses against the ridges  120 , the slits  125  (and openings  224 ,  324 ) are deformed as to accommodate the movement of the ridges  120 . The container  110  is then typically released from the compartment  105 . At this time, the ridges  120  typically move back to their original position and the slits  125  also reform to their original shape.  
         [0073]     As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the cross section of the ridge should be of such a geometric shape that allows the container to slide past the ridge. A triangular cross section, as illustrated in the figures above, allows the container to slide past the ridge. A circular cross section is also suitable. Other suitable cross sections are contemplated.  
         [0074]     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , several cases can be stacked by interconnecting the respective male and female connectors allowing the user to double triple quadruple etc. the storage capacity of the cases simply by connecting another case.  
         [0075]     A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, is will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Several examples are now illustrated.  
         [0076]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a cosmetic case  700  having an hinged cover  705 . In this embodiment the hinged cover  705  can include an interior mirror  710  so that the case can act as a typical compact. In this embodiment the hollow interior  715  of the case  700  can be used for additional storage for smaller items, either related to cosmetics or other objects that the user desires to store. When the hinged cover  705  is closed, the case  705  can be stacked with other cases as described above using male/female connectors  730 .  
         [0077]      FIG. 8A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case  800 . As described above, the embodiments described can contain any type of container a containing any type of cosmetic with any type of applicator. In this embodiment, the compartments  805  have been narrowed and a narrow container  810  has been included. The container in this embodiment can be a lipstick container.  
         [0078]      FIG. 8B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case  850 . Similar to  FIG. 8A , the compartment  806  has been narrowed and a narrow container  820  has been included. In this embodiment, the container can be an eyeliner.  
         [0079]     In another embodiment, a cosmetic case having non-removable cosmetic containers is also contemplated.  
         [0080]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cosmetic case  900  having three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers  910 , wherein the containers  910  are an integral part of the cosmetic case  900 . The cosmetic case  900  includes a body  905  having a geometric center  930 . A hole can be centered about the geometric center  930  in order to hang the cosmetic case  900  on a display rack. As stated above, the containers  910  are an integral part of the cosmetic case  900 . In one implementation, the containers can be voids formed within the body  905 . Cosmetics can then be added directly to the voids as needed. In another implementation, voids can be formed in the body  905  as just previously described. Then individual cosmetic containers can be inserted into the voids as needed. In still another implementation, the body  905  can be hollow and the individual containers  910  can be suspended within the body  905 . In general thecontainers  910  can be attached to the body  905  by protrusions  925  as described further below. In any of the implementations, the containers  910  can include caps  915  that seal the cosmetic within the containers  910 . The caps can further include an applicator  920  that can be attached to the cap. The caps  915  typically are also used as grips by the user in order to apply the cosmetic. In one implementation, a threaded protrusion  925  is connected to the containers  910  that can engage inner threads on the cap  915  in order to seal the cosmetics within the containers  910 . The containers  910  are generally arranged so that they are oriented about a radial direction from the geometric center  930  such as along the radial direction as indicated by line  935 . It is understood that fewer or more containers  910  can be removed or added to the body  905 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cosmetic case  1000  having three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers  1010 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment as described in  FIG. 9 . The case  1000  includes a body  1005  having several containers  1010  within the body  1005 . The case  1000  typically includes a geometric center  1030  that can have a hole formed about it. The containers typically include a protrusion  1025  that can engage a cap  1015  having an applicator  1020  connected to it. In this embodiment, however, it is contemplated that the containers be arranged in an orientation that is not generally radial to the geometric center. For example, a radial line such as line  1040  is shown for reference. The containers  1010  are oriented about a line  1035  that is angled with respect to radial line  1040  by an angle θ. Therefore, the applicators  1020  can also be angled with respect to the caps  1015  as well as to the radial line  1040 . In this embodiment, the caps  1015  are generally removed along the line  1035 . The caps  1015  can be made in order to be in threaded engagement with the protrusion  1025  similar to as described above with respect to  FIG. 9 . However, in another implementation, the caps  1015  can be simply pushed onto the protrusions  1025  thereby causing a seal. It is understood that various other positions of the containers  1010  can be made within the scope of the embodiments described.  
         [0082]     The embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 9-10  can also be stackable as described with respect to  FIG. 4  above. In such as implementation, similar male and female connectors can be provided that allow several of the cosmetic cases  900 ,  1000  to be stacked upon and connected to each other.  
         [0083]     In general, the embodiments described above can be formed of a variety of materials. In a typical embodiment, the cases described above are formed of various kinds of plastics that can either be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. It is understood that other materials are contemplated for use in other embodiments.  
         [0084]     In general, the embodiments described above have been arranged in a generally triangular arrangement with only three cosmetics held within the container. The cosmetics have been generally arranged in a circular pattern, generally radial from the geometric center. It is understood that other shapes for the cases and other arrangements for the cosmetics are contemplated in other embodiments. For example, the case may be square with the cosmetics arranged at each point of the square or along each side of the square. In another example, the case can be a hexagon with the cosmetics arranged at the points of the hexagon or along or at the sides of the hexagon. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the cosmetics are arranged so that the caps and applicators protrude from the upper or lower surfaces rather than from the sides or at angles located between the upper and lower surfaces. In yet another embodiment, the cosmetic case can be a sphere having cosmetics protruding at many points from the surface of the sphere.  
         [0085]     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.