Abstract:
The present invention is a portable, interchangeable cosmetic compact. The compact is capable of housing a plurality of customizable cosmetics for all-in-one convenience, portability, and efficiency. The present invention is designed as a portable makeup compact in which the user can store multiple makeup products and makeup tools in one unit. The purpose of this makeup compact is to be small and portable as well as hosting different makeup products and makeup tools that form one unit when stored within the base unit and lids of the compact. The portable interchangeable cosmetic compact allows individual makeup products and makeup tools to be interchanged and stored within the base unit and lids because of this makeup compact&#39;s unique design and efficient utilization of space.

Description:
This invention claims benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/929,038 filed Jan. 18, 2014 under 35 U.S.C. 119. All references from that application are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a portable, interchangeable cosmetic compact. The compact is capable of housing a plurality of customizable cosmetics for all-in-one convenience, portability, and efficiency. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to cosmetic compacts that are built to store makeup and cosmetic products. Traditional makeup compacts are designed to host minimal amounts of cosmetic products, which can not be replenished once the product has been depleted by the user. The design of traditional cosmetic compacts creates various problems for users, for example:
         (1) Traditional compacts are not designed to be re-usable;   (2) Traditional compacts are not designed to be customizable;   (3) Traditional compacts are not designed to host multiple cosmetic products; and   (4) Traditional compacts are bulky, which creates problems with the portability of cosmetic products.       

     Previous attempts to solve the problems of the traditional makeup compact such as those produced by Victoria Jackson provide an all-in-one product that cannot be customized and is bulky and difficult to use. Other manufacturers, such as Mary Kay and Shu Uemera have provided customizable makeup, but not in an all-in-one, user-friendly product. Still, other brands like Ellis Faas has created a tube system that contains makeup products in the form of pencil like tubes, but again, the system is messy, difficult to use, and only a limited amount of makeup products can fit within the tube system. Women want a customizable compact that can hold a complete set of makeup products, contain makeup suiting each woman&#39;s unique complexion, is portable and is cost efficient. 
     There is a need for an all-in-one makeup compact that is lightweight, high quality, user friendly, customizable, and cost-efficient. The present invention fills this need. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This is a portable makeup compact containing customizable makeup products and tools that is both efficient and lightweight. 
     Additional features and advantages of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of and use of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. The objectives and other advantages of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact will be realized and attained by the structural properties particularly pointed out in the written description and claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     The present invention is designed as a portable makeup compact in which the user can store multiple makeup products and makeup tools in one unit. The purpose of this makeup compact is to be small and portable as well as hosting different makeup products and makeup tools that form one unit when stored within the base unit and lids of the compact. The portable interchangeable cosmetic compact allows individual makeup products and makeup tools to be interchanged and stored within the base unit and lids because of this makeup compact&#39;s unique design and efficient utilization of space. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the portable interchangeable compact is a rectangular shape, but as is apparent, it can also be built in different shapes such as a cube or cylindrical design. The base unit and lids of the cosmetics compact are designed to allow different products to be inserted and become part of the overall unit. 
     The portable interchangeable cosmetic compact has two exterior walls of the base unit and lids, which are built with two cylindrical hollow spaces each, which allow cylindrical tubes to be inserted and become part of the overall base unit. These cylindrical tubes can be designed with caps to access the substance stored inside the tube. These hollow openings are designed to host cylindrical tools or tubes that fit the specific dimensions. The cylindrical tubes can host a variety of cosmetic products, including, but not limited to, mascara, lipgloss, lipstick, liquid eyeshadow, eyeliner, concealer, foundation, primer, skincare, perfume, nail polishes and varnishes, or cosmetic tools such as makeup brushes, sponges etc. 
     The cylindrical spaces have a track system, which allows the tubes to be docked and secured within the body of the base unit and lids. They are secured until the user chooses to remove them. The track is designed to allow the tube to be partially ejected from the base unit and lock in place so that the user can remove the cap of the tube to use the cosmetic product or applicator tool. The track only allows the tube base to translate, and not rotate, securing the base from rotating as the cap is unscrewed. Once the user is finished using the tube, they can re-insert the tube into the base unit for it to be stored. Notably, the four hollow cylindrical spaces in the base unit can also be shaped differently, including, but not limited to, rectangular design. Wherein the spaces are of an alternate shape, the tubes will be of a like shape to fit the space (i.e. if rectangular, the tubes or tools would be rectangular). The track mechanism can also be designed for the caps of the tubes to be removed differently from the base unit. 
     The two remaining exterior walls of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact are lids, with integral mirrors that may include illumination, designed to allow the user to access the interior of the base unit. One side of the base unit is comprised of a hinge, upon which the mirrored lid pivots. This feature is duplicated on the opposite side of the base unit and is oriented on the diagonal corner, but not limited in this orientation. 
     Opposite the hinges, on the base unit, is comprised of clasps, which secures the mirrored lids in the closed position. These clasps may be magnetic. 
     The base unit has two recesses, one on either side, which allows a tray to fit within each recess. This functionality is designed to host trays of cosmetic products including, but not limited to, eyeshadow, blush, powder, lipstick, bronzer, concealer, foundation skincare and applicator tools such as makeup brushes, puffs, and sponges as well as personal grooming tools such as tweezers, combs, manicure sets, pencil sharpeners, and personal items such as jewelry and the tray function allows the cosmetic products to nest in the base unit. The cosmetic products contained in the tube or tray that fits within the base unit and lids can be various substances including, but not limited to, powder, gel, liquid, paste, or solid. The recesses are designed to have a tray function in which the user can remove and replace the tray to allow products or tools hosted in the tray to be interchanged. Once the tray is inserted into the recess of the base unit, it locks in place and secures all of cosmetic products and/or tools in the base unit of the compact. The cosmetic products are hosted in square and/or rectangle pans, which are built to the same specifications of the tray and recess. The products and/or tools can also be loose and stored within the recess of the base unit. When the clasps are closed, all products and/or tools can be safely stored within the base unit. The recesses can also be designed to hold products with magnetic technology. 
     Additionally, the user can choose not to store cosmetic products within the recess on either side of the base unit and instead use the space to store small objects that they find useful, such as tweezers, q-tips, bobby pins, brushes, personal items such as jewelry etc. 
     The advantage of this cosmetic compact design is that the small space is strategically used to allow different makeup products, makeup tools, personal items, as well as personal grooming tools to fit securely in one base unit that is portable and interchangeable. Another advantage of this makeup compact is that once one makeup product has been finished, it can be replaced without the necessity of discarding and replacing the entire base unit or compact. The predominant designs of products of this sort do not have replacement products, but are designed for the entire unit to be replaced. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, as claimed. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of the base unit, as in one embodiment of the portable cosmetic compact. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the track system in the upper lid, as in one embodiment of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, as in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a side left view of the base unit as in an embodiment of the portable cosmetic compact. 
         FIG. 5  is a isometric view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, as in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, illustrating the upper lid in an open position, as in one embodiment 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact with the upper lid in the open position. 
         FIG. 8  is a left side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, illustrating the lower lid in an open position as in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the portable cosmetic interchangeable cosmetic compact with the lower lid in the open position, as in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a right side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact with trays removed as in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact without the trays. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the track system in the lower lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the tray of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the tray of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a side end view of the tray of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of the tray of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the tray of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is an isometric top view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric bottom front view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the upper lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of a tube that fits into the upper or lower lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of a tube that fits into the upper or lower lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a side view, turned ninety degrees from the top view, of a tube that fits into the upper or lower lid of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact in one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
       FIG. 1  is a rear view of the compact where an upper  100  and lower  101  lid are shown in the closed position. This view shows the rear hinge  102  component which functions to secure the base unit  103  and upper  100  and lower  101  lids one compact product. As in the preferred embodiment, two hinges  102  are used to secure the base unit  103  to the upper  101  and lower  102  lids of the compact. The size of the compact may vary, as is known by those in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the length of the compact is approximately 3.43 inches, and the height is approximately 1.93 inches. As is known by those in the art the upper  100  and lower  101  lids and base unit  103  may be comprised of variety of natural and synthetic materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, and or/wood. In one preferred embodiment the upper  100  and lower  101  lids and base unit  103  are comprised of a lightweight, shock-resistant plastic. It is understood that the upper  100  and lower  101  lids and base unit  103  may be manufactured in a variety of colors and finishes including metallic, mattes, patterns and natural shades. 
       FIG. 2  is a view of the track system  108  within the upper lid  100  of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. The track system allows for the tubes  104  and  105  (discussed below) to be secured within the upper lid  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the medial base unit  103  between the upper  100  and lower  101  lids. The upper  100  and lower  101  lids are closed with an upper clasp  110  and lower clasp  111  which secures the upper  100  and lower  101  lids to the base unit  103 . The upper  110  and lower  111  clasp may use any interlocking mechanism or magnetic mechanism as is known well by those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 4  is a left view of the compact illustrating the side of base unit  103  and the upper  100  and lower  101  lids which host the tubes  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107 . All four tubes  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  are shown completely inserted in the upper  100  and lower  101  lids, both of which are connected to the base unit  103 . As is apparent, the tubes  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  can be of a cylindrical shape, as in the preferred embodiment, but may be of other shapes as well, such as rectangular, square, rhomboid, or triangular. Moreover, while four tubes  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  are shown housed in the upper  100  and lower  101  lids, (two tubes within each lid) it is contemplated that one or up to four tubes may be housed within either the upper  100  or lower  101  lids. Also shown is the track system  108  in the upper lid  100  for the upper tubes  104  and  105 . The track system for the lower tubes  106  and  107  is on the reverse side. The track system  108  allows the tubes  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  to be held in various positions within the lid  100  and  101 , as well as allowing the tube to be ejected from the lid. 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the compact. The figure shows the upper  100  lid in the open position and mirror  112  inlayed within the upper  100  lid is exposed to user. A mirror  112  may be provided in the inlayed position within the lower  101  lid as well. The mirror  112  may be lighted or may include illumination. The upper  100  lid is opened via the clasp  110  on the base unit and secured by the hinge  102  on the rear side of the unit. The upper tray  113  is shown protruded from the base unit  103  and said upper tray  113  can host interchangeable pieces that fit within the base unit  103  when the upper tray  113  is closed. The tray  113  can host and store loose products or other desired items. Additionally, two upper tubes  104  and  105  are shown coming out from the upper  100  lid. In this embodiment, the track system  108  is partially invoked, and the caps  109  of the upper tubes  104  and  105  are accessible by the user. Also, the base unit track system  115  is used on both sides. 
       FIG. 6  is a right side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. This illustration shows the upper lid  100  in the open position. In this position the mirror  112 , which may be lighted or include illumination, is exposed for the benefit of the user. The upper lid  100  remains secured to the base unit  103  by the hinges  102 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates the open recesses for the upper  104  and  105  and lower  106  and  107  tubes. Each tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107 , as described above, may house a different product or tool selected by the user. Those products include, but are not limited to, blushes, nail varnishes or polishes, sponges, pencil sharpeners, glosses, stains, lipsticks, foundations, concealers, liquid eyeshadows, liquid blushes, eyeliners, mascaras, primers, tinted moisturizers, moisturizers, fragrances, skincare, perfume, and the like. The track system  108  of the lower lid  101  is also shown. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact with the upper lid  100  in the open position. The clasp  110  is at the top of the illustration, and the mirror  112  is visible. The base unit  103  houses an upper  113  and lower  114  tray that are further described below. The lower lid  101  is in the closed position, with the lower clasp  111  engaged. 
       FIG. 8  is a left side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. This illustration shows the lower lid  101  in the open position. In this position the mirror  112  is exposed for the benefit of the user. The lower lid  101  remains secured to the base unit  103  by the hinges  102 .  FIG. 8  also illustrates the open recesses for the upper  104  and  105  and lower  106  and  107  tubes. Each tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107 , as described above, may house a different product or tool selected by the user. Those products include, but are not limited to brushes, nail varnishes and polishes, sponges, pencil sharpeners, glosses, stains, lipsticks, foundations, concealers, liquid eyeshadows, liquid blushes, eyeliners, mascaras, primers, tinted moisturizers, moisturizers, skincare, fragrances, perfume and the like. The track system  108  of the lower lid  101  is also shown. 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact with the lower lid  101  in the open position. The clasp  111  is at the bottom of the illustration, and the mirror  112  is visible. The base unit  103  houses an upper  113  and lower  114  tray that are further described below. The upper lid  100  is in the closed position, with the upper clasp  110  engaged. 
       FIG. 10  is a right side view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact showing the hinge  102  in detail as well as the base unit  103 , the upper lid  100  with the track system  108  and the lower lid  101 . 
       FIG. 11  is a back view of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact without the trays illustrated in the other drawings. The upper lid  100  is connected to the base unit  103  via the hinge  102 , which connects the base unit  103  to the lower lid  101  as well. 
     The track system  108  located within both the upper  100  and lower  101  lid, allows a tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  to be secured within the upper  100  or lower  101  lid as shown in  FIG. 12  (i.e., tube  104  and  105  are stored within the upper lid  100 , the upper lid  100  having a track system  108  for each tube  104  and  105 ). The track system  108 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 12 , allows the user to partially eject a selected tube (any of  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107 ) and lock the tube in place such that the cap of the tube  109  may be accessed by the user without fully ejecting the selected tube. Partial ejection is achieved through the narrowing of the track near the midline of the unit. Moreover, the track system  108  allows the user to remove any selected tool entirely at the user&#39;s discretion. The width of the top portion of the portable compact may be of variable dimensions to accommodate the tools and products housed therein. In one preferred embodiment the width of the compact is approximately 1.36 inches. 
       FIGS. 13-17  illustrate the base unit of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact.  FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the base unit, illustrating the recesses for the upper  110  and lower  111  clasp, cut-outs for the upper  113  and lower  114  trays, as well as placement for the hinges  102 .  FIG. 14  is a top view of the base unit, the large space may be occupied by a mirror,  FIG. 15  is a side view of the base unit  103  and hinge  102  at the side.  FIG. 16  shows a front view of the compact, with the dashed lines representing an embodiment for placement of the hinges  102 . The upper  110  and lower  111  clasp recesses are visible in  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the base unit, the large space may be occupied by a mirror, and the lower clasp  111  visible. 
       FIGS. 18-22  show the upper tray  113  of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. The same illustrations can be used for the lower tray  114 . Note, as stated above, the upper tray  113  may be fitted with a variety of cosmetics of the dry, powder, solid, paste or gel nature, including but not limited to, shimmers, bronzers, foundations, eyeshadows, powders, concealers, brow liners, eyeliners, lipsticks, lip glosses, blushes, primers, eyeliner pencils and the like. Moreover, at the users discretion, the upper tray  113  may not house any cosmetic products creating a depression capable of being used as storage for other products or items the user may deem appropriate such as applicator tools, makeup brushes, puffs, sponges, personal grooming tools, tweezers, combs, manicure sets, jewelry, pencil sharpeners, perfumes, skincare items, personal items, hair ties, bobby pins, safety pins, tweezers, q-tips, and the like.  FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an upper tray  113  in one configuration contemplated by the portable cosmetic compact. As stated, many configurations can be had with either the upper  113  or lower  114  tray. The number of spaces shown in  FIGS. 18-22  are illustrative in nature and not limiting.  FIG. 19  is a top view of the upper tray  113 ,  FIG. 20  is a side view,  FIG. 21  is a front view, and  FIG. 22  is a bottom view. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 5 , a second, lower tray  114  is provided that is accessible when the lower lid  101  is accessed. The lower tray  114  is identical to the upper tray  113 , in that is may be fitted with a variety of cosmetics of the dry, powder, solid, paste or gel nature, including but not limited to, shimmers, bronzers, foundations, eyeshadows, powders, brow liners, eyeliners, lipsticks, lip glosses, blushes, primers, eyeliner pencils and the like. Moreover, at the users discretion, the lower tray  113  may not house any cosmetics creating a depression capable of being used as storage for other products or items the user may deem appropriate such as applicator tools, makeup brushes, puffs, sponges, personal grooming tools, tweezers, combs, manicure sets, jewelry, pencil sharpener, perfume, skincare, personal items, hair ties, bobby pins, safety pins, tweezers, q-tips, and the like. 
       FIGS. 23-28  show further detail of the upper lid  100  of the portable interchangeable cosmetic compact. It should be noted, that the same elements are present in the lower lid  101 .  FIG. 23  is a top view of the upper lid  100  illustrating the open recesses for the upper tubes and the track system  108  in which the tubes reside.  FIG. 24  is an isometric view of the upper lid  100  illustrating the track system  108  thereon.  FIG. 25  is a side view of the upper lid  100 .  FIG. 26  is a front view of the upper lid  100 .  FIG. 27  is an isometric bottom view of the upper lid  100 , depicting the mirror  112 , the hinges  102  that connect the upper lid  100  to the base unit, the clasp  110  that secures the upper lid  100  to the base unit, as well as the recesses for the upper tubes.  FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the upper lid  100 . 
       FIGS. 29-31  are illustrations of an upper tube  104  of the portable interchangeable cosmetic. Notably, these illustrations are equally applicable to any of the other tubes  105 ,  106 , and  107 . Also note, the interior of the tube will vary depending on the type of product contained within. As shown in  FIG. 29 , a front view of the tube shows the protrusion  108  that engages with, and is part of the track system  108 . The cap  109  of the tube is shown. As has been disclosed, the track system  108  has two stops, the first being when the tube is fully encased within the upper or lower lid, and the second where the cap  109  is exposed and accessible to the user. The cap  109  may contain a wand or applicator, as would be well known, when appropriate (i.e., where the tube contains mascara, the cap will have a mascara wand, where the tube contains lip gloss, a lip gloss applicator). The tube may not have a cap. The tube may also be fully removed from the unit.  FIG. 30  is a top view of the tube, further detailing the track system  108 , and  FIG. 31  is a front view rotated ninety degrees to further detail the track mechanism  108  of the portable interchangeable cosmetic. 
     Each tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  is a separate product, capable of being removed entirely from either the upper  100  or lower  101  lid as desired by the user. Thus, the length of the tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  approximates the length of the unit (as in the preferred embodiment that length is approximately 3.43 inches). Each tube  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  is secured within the upper  100  or lower  101  lid with a track system  108  within the upper  100  and lower  101  lid. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the makeup compact of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and that certain features of one embodiment may be used or interchangeably in other embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover all possible combinations of the features shown in the different embodiments, as well as modifications and variations of this invention, provided they come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. All measurements are approximate and the size of the insert will vary with the scale remaining close to the preferred embodiment described.