Patent Publication Number: US-11662143-B2

Title: Cosmetic makeup sponge/blender container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/462,232, filed Aug. 31, 2021, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,231,228 on Nov. 15, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/665,021, filed Oct. 28, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,125,502 on Oct. 28, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/879,609, filed Jan. 25, 2018, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,458,706 on Jan. 24, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/052,843, filed Feb. 24, 2016, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,897,378 on Feb. 20, 2016, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/238,853, filed Oct. 8, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to cosmetics, and in particular to containers for storage and transport of cosmetic makeup sponges, which are often referred to as blenders. Moving forward in this disclosure, the makeup sponges will be referred to as sponges/blenders. 
     Conventional reusable oval shaped cosmetic sponges/blenders have been commercially available to the cosmetics industry for approximately ten years. These sponges/blenders are mostly used to apply foundation, tinted moisturizer, or cream blush to the face, without the direct application through use of fingers or brushes. The sponge/blender creates a smooth flawless finish and/or a base for further makeup. Although different shape cosmetic sponges/blenders have been available for more than a decade, the oval or tapered egg shape sponge/blender has become increasingly popular in recent years and represents the standard in commercial use. 
     Using a sponge/blender is simple; first a user wets the sponge/blender with water until it is completely saturated. Note that as the sponge/blender absorbs water it increases in size. The user then squeezes out excess water and dabs the sponge/blender into the desired makeup, generally a foundation makeup. Then a user applies the makeup to the face; smoothing and dabbing until the face is covered in makeup to the desired look. The cosmetic sponge/blender is also ideal for applying SPF sunscreen and self-tanner for even coverage. 
     It is impractical to restore the sponge/blender to its original condition as oil based makeup tends to accumulate on and within the sponge/blender, even after washing. However, with proper care the majority of manufacturers claim that sponges/blenders have a lifespan of approximately three months. To lengthen the lifespan, it is recommended that the sponge/blender be cleaned with soapy water every three to five days of use to avoid build-up of makeup or other residue. After cleaning, although squeezed dry, the sponge/blender does remain damp and with the dampness it retains excess makeup product. It is recommended that one allow time to completely dry the sponge/blender before returning it to the makeup bag. However, this is often not practical as most women prefer to carry the sponge/blender with their makeup collection and there is insufficient time to permit adequate drying before travelling with the sponge/blender. 
     As such, after using the sponge/blender to apply foundation, the sponge/blender is typically immediately returned to the makeup bag where it remains damp. Very soon the inside of the makeup bag becomes messy and unusable as foundation or other makeup product transfers from the sponge/blender to the inside of the makeup bag and/or other makeup. 
     Additionally, the sponge/blender itself becomes subject to fouling. For example, cross-contamination may occur when black eyeliner pencils or eye shadow applicators deposit contents onto the sponge/blender. Hygiene is also a concern; once the sponge/blender is exposed to other components while loose in the bag, it is a magnet for bacteria, which is later wiped on the face. Each of these results is highly undesirable. 
     To combat some of these issues users began storing sponge/blenders in plastic bags. However, it was soon discovered that by locking in moisture and not allowing sufficient air to circulate, mold and bad odor built-up on the sponge/blender and as a consequence the sponge/blender became unusable rather quickly. When storing in a small minimally vented plastic container, the same problem occurred as without proper ventilation, the sponge/blender was unable to dry out before mold and bacteria began to grow. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It would therefore be beneficial to provide a manner in which a user may travel with a sponge/blender without the need for mandated pre-drying, and indeed permitting drying while stored, without compromising its usefulness. The present invention presents such a solution by providing a protective container with adequate ventilation to dry a sponge/blender. Preferably, the ventilation is provided in a manner which also protects the sponge/blender from foreign objects. 
     In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a A cosmetic sponge container comprises a base, the base having a generally horizontal bottom surface; a grill, the grill being affixed to the base at a proximal end of the grill and extending in a generally vertical orientation from the proximal end in a direction opposite the downwardly depending portion to a distal end thereof; and a shell, the shell being rotatably engaged with the base and the grill while extending from the base generally parallel to the grill, the shell having a distal end opposite the base; wherein rotation of the shell relative to the grill creates an adjustable opening into an interior space formed by the grill and the shell above the generally horizontal surface of the base; and wherein at least one of the base, the grill, or the shell is perforated with perforations such that a moistened cosmetic sponge may be stored within the interior space to dry. 
     The distal end of the grill and the distal end of the shell may form an opening into the interior space regardless of the position of the shell relative to the grill, the opening providing cross-ventilation with the perforations. In such case, the base may further comprise a downwardly dependent portion such that the bottom surface is elevated off a supporting platform upon which the container is placed. 
     The grill and the base may be perforated. 
     Rotation of the shell relative to the grill may be achieved through a recessed track and bead arrangement, wherein the bead rides within the recessed track. 
     The grill and the base may be perforated and the perforations may be sufficiently sized to permit airflow through same but to deny access to a sponge stored within the interior space by foreign objects sized and configured in the shape of a mascara pencil. 
     The grill and the base may be perforated and the perforations of the grill and the perforations of the base may provide at least 50% ventilation. 
     The grill and the base may be perforated and the perforation of the grill and the perforations of the base may provide at least 75% ventilation. 
     The grill and the base may be perforated and the base may be circular along the path of rotation of the shell and the shell and the grill may be approximately equal in size along the path of rotation such that the shell may overlap the grill to position the adjustable opening as an approximately 180 degree opening. 
     The distal end of the grill and the distal end of the shell may form an opening into the interior space regardless of the position of the shell relative to the grill, and the base and the grill may be perforated with perforations; and the perforations and the opening may provide cross-ventilation. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of drying a cosmetic sponge may include the steps of placing a moistened cosmetic sponge within a cosmetic sponge container having ventilation of at least 10%, the ventilation being such that cross-ventilation is created, and allowing the moistened sponge to dry. 
     The ventilation may be adjustable ventilation, the method further comprising adjusting the level of ventilation after the sponge has been placed within the cosmetic sponge container. If so, the adjustable ventilation may be achieved via rotation of one member of the cosmetic sponge container relative to another member of the cosmetic sponge container. 
     The adjustable ventilation may be at least 25% ventilation, and 25% ventilation may be achieved when rotation of one member of the cosmetic sponge container is in a first position relative to another member of the cosmetic sponge container and a greater percentage of ventilation is achieved when rotation of the one member of the cosmetic sponge container is in a second position relative to the another member of the cosmetic sponge container. Given this, the one member of the cosmetic sponge container and the another member of the cosmetic sponge may define an opening into the container. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cosmetic sponge drying and storage container comprises a plurality of components, including at least a first component and a second component, the first component being moveable with respect to the second component to position the container in at least an open condition and a closed condition, wherein at least one of the first component or the second component is perforated with perforations; and wherein, a cosmetic sponge may be placed within the container when in the open condition and wherein the perforations provide at least 10% ventilation when the container is in the closed condition. 
     The cosmetic sponge drying and storage container may further comprise a base having a generally horizontal bottom surface and supports for elevating the bottom surface above a support upon which the container may be placed, the bottom surface being perforated. 
     Moveable may be by one of rotation or sliding. 
     The perforations may provide cross-ventilation. 
     Where the perforations provide cross-ventilation, the container may further comprise at least one additional opening at distal ends of the first component and second component, providing cross-ventilation with the perforations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features, objects, and advantages thereof, will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. It is intended that any additional organizations, methods of operation, features, objects or advantages ascertained by one skilled in the art be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
       With respect to the drawings,  FIG.  1    is a side view of an inventive container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the container shown in the closed condition; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the inventive container of  FIG.  1   , in a partially open condition; 
         FIGS.  3 - 5    are side views of additional embodiments of inventive containers, depicting various configurations of perforations; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an inventive container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container being in a closed condition; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the container of  FIG.  6   , shown from partially beneath the container; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the container of  FIG.  6   , the container shown in a partially open condition; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the container of  FIG.  6   , the container shown in the fully open condition; 
         FIGS.  10  and  11    are exploded perspective views of the container of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded perspective view of the container of  FIG.  6   , shown from partially beneath the container; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded top view of the container of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  15    is side view of a further embodiment of an inventive container in accordance with the present invention, the container being in the open condition; 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of the container of  FIG.  15   , the container being in a partially open condition; 
         FIG.  17    is perspective view of a first sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, the first sponge/blender container being a conventional container; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a second sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of a third sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a fourth sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a fifth sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of a sixth sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of a seventh sponge/blender container, particularly used for test purposes, and configured in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
         FIGS.  24 A through  24 D  depict multiple views of a further embodiment an inventive container in accordance with the present invention, the views including a front perspective view of a closed container in  FIG.  24 A , a side perspective view of an open container in  FIG.  24 B , a bottom perspective view of a closed container in  FIG.  24 C , and an exploded perspective view in  FIG.  24 D ; 
         FIGS.  25 A through  25 C  depict multiple views of an additional embodiment an inventive container in accordance with the present invention, the views including a front perspective view  FIG.  25 A , a side perspective view in  FIG.  25 B , and an exploded perspective view in  FIG.  25 C ; and, 
         FIGS.  26 A through  26 D  depict multiple views of a still further embodiment an inventive container in accordance with the present invention, the views including a front perspective view of a closed container in  FIG.  26 A , a top perspective view of an open container in  FIG.  26 B , a side perspective view of a container in multiple states of opening in  FIG.  26 C , and a bottom perspective view in  FIG.  26 D . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following are described the preferred embodiments of the COSMETIC MAKEUP SPONGE/BLENDER CONTAINER in accordance with the present disclosure. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Where like elements have been depicted in multiple embodiments, identical reference numerals have been used in the multiple embodiments for ease of understanding. 
     When identifying a solution for storing and transporting a makeup sponge/blender, such that a user may return the sponge/blender to a cosmetics or handbag immediately after use, the following factors may be considered: 
     1. Space in a women&#39;s cosmetics bag or handbag is of a premium. It is preferred that any container retain the shape of the popular oval shape sponge/blender, keeping the total volume used in the makeup bag to a minimum. This should be balanced against ventilation within the container (see #2 below). Thus the container size is preferably designed approximately mere centimeters, perhaps 1 cm to 3 cm, and preferably 2 cm, in diameter larger than the sponge/blender while wet. This will allow air to circulate while the sponge/blender is in the container and drying out. 
     2. Ventilation is of utmost importance and essential. It is important for the container to include a minimum of approximately 10% total surface area ventilation, allowing the sponge/blender enough airflow to dry out thoroughly after use. Preferably the surface area ventilation is approximately 25% to 75% with at least 50% being preferred and 65% to 70% being most preferred. Other ventilation percentages include 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85%. Ventilation ranges include 10-25%, 10-50%, 10-75%, 25-50%, 50-75%, 60-75%, 65-75%, and 70%-75%. If adequate ventilation is not included to the design, the sponge/blender will not have an opportunity to dry out, allowing an opportunity for bacteria to grow. For example, conventional sponge/blender containers, such as the container  400  shown in  FIG.  17   , provide only approximately 6-8% ventilation, and certainly less than 10% ventilation. 
     When discussing ventilation herein, it is to be understood that an open, or partially open, container includes increased ventilation over a closed container. Generally, ventilation figures in terms of percentage will be provided for containers in the closed condition. 
     3. In addition to the total ventilation percentage, it has been found that the provision of “cross-ventilation” is also highly beneficial. The term “cross-ventilation” is to be understood as the provision of a ventilation path through a container. A prime example of “cross-ventilation” is where apertures are provided on the bottom of the device and at least a side of the device or the top of the device, preferably both. Another example is where apertures are provided on the side of the device and the top. Thus, ambient air can flow through device, in one location and out another, through a ventilation path. Cross-ventilation is not provided when only the bottom of the device or only the top of the device is ventilated. Depending on the configuration of the vents, cross-ventilation may be provided when the sides of the device alone are ventilated, provided that the ventilation is adequately spaced to allot for crossing of the container&#39;s interior, for example where at least two apertures are approximately 180 degrees apart, or where two apertures are at least 120 degrees apart. 
     4. While it is essential to consider the size of the ventilation holes as discussed above, they preferably should only be large enough to ensure effectiveness, yet small enough to avoid other makeup or accessories from accessing into the container through the ventilation holes. For example, eyeliner pencils and eye shadow accessories are major culprits as they can enter the container through ventilation holes that are too large. 
     5. The container is preferably designed to stand independently. While in an open condition, the opening of the container allows 50% or more of the sponge/blender total exposure to the air; in addition to any ventilation provided in the remainder of the container in the open condition. If not returning immediately to the makeup bag this is an additional feature to allow time for the sponge/blender to dry while standing independently in its own container. 
     6. Consideration should be given during the manufacturing process to ensure the best choice of materials, which are preferably rigid plastic but may also be various other materials such as metals or metal alloys. This will assist in reducing the amount of moisture able to build up while the sponge is drying out in the ventilated container because the container will not collapse on the sponge/blender. In other embodiments, the material may be soft of pliable. It is also preferred that the materials used be antimicrobial or have antimicrobial coatings. 
     With these considerations in mind,  FIG.  1    depicts a sponge/blender container  100  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed condition. The container  100  is configured in an “egg-shaped” geometry to match the shape of a conventional sponge/blender (not shown). Other shapes, whether geometric or non-geometric, may also be considered. As explained above, it is preferred that the overall diameter of the container  100  be approximately 1 cm to 3 cm, and preferably 2 cm, larger than a moistened sponge/blender to ensure air circulation around the sponge/blender when placed in the closed container. 
     The container  100  includes an upper portion  102  and a lower portion  104  connected by a hinge  106 . Preferably the container is an antimicrobial plastic and the hinge  106  is a living hinge. Other hinges, whether integrated to the container  100  or not, may also be utilized. Additionally, other materials such as various metals or metal alloys may also be utilized. 
     It will be appreciated that in the embodiment shown, the upper portion  102  and lower portion  104  of the container  100  roughly split the container into two equal sized portions in the vicinity of the absolute largest diameter of the container. However, this need not be the case and the dividing line can be other than at the absolute largest diameter of the container  100 . 
     Opposite the hinge  106  is a locking mechanism  108 . Preferably the locking mechanism  108  incorporates a friction or interference type lock, although other arrangements are possible. When locked, it is preferred that the interface line  110  between the upper portion  102  and lower portion  104  be tightly configured, although it need not be airtight. 
     Ventilation through the container  100  is provided by apertures  112 , such as the round apertures shown in  FIG.  1   . In other configurations the apertures may be other geometric or non-geometric shapes, including ovals, squares, triangles, stars, random patterns, flower pedals, etc. Moreover, the apertures may be configured as designs, such as corporate logos, words, pictures, or the like. Lastly, the apertures may be mixed, such that not all apertures of a particular container are the same shape nor the same size. Additional examples of aperture configurations are shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   . 
     It is important for the container  100  to include a minimum of approximately 10% surface area ventilation throughout the entire container&#39;s apertures  112 , allowing the sponge/blender enough airflow to dry out thoroughly after use. Preferably the surface area ventilation is approximately 25% to 70% with 50% being preferred and 65% to 70% being most preferred. 
       FIG.  2    depicts the container  100  of  FIG.  1    in a partially open configuration. In this configuration, the sponge/blender (not shown) can be placed within the well  114  of the lower portion  104 . In some embodiments, the extreme bottom  116  of the container  100  is flat such that the container can stand independently. 
     Although not shown in this embodiment, it is also contemplated that the container  100  include offsets or stand-offs within the interior to prevent the sponge/blender from contacting the inner surface of the container directly. Such offsets or stand-offs may be in the form of bulges or other protrusions. Preferably, the offset or stand-offs are approximately one half of the size of the desired total gap between the sponge/blender and the inner surface of the container, such that each side of the sponge/blender will be offset from the container one half of the desired total distance. For example, to maintain a preferred 2 cm difference in diameters between the sponge/blender and the container, each of the offsets or stand-offs will be 1 cm in height. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a container is formed from three components with a rotation feature permitting infinitely variable ventilation. An example of such a container is shown in  FIGS.  6 - 14   ,  FIG.  6    of which is a perspective view. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the container  200  features an overall shape providing the visual appearance of a flower bud. This distinct container is formed from a base  202  with a grill  204  and shell  206 , both extending upwardly therefrom. At the distal end  208  of the container  200  the grill  204  and shell  206  form an opening  210 , which arches to aid in the visual appearance of a flower bud shaped container. 
     In other embodiments, particularly where intrusion by foreign objects is a large concern, the grill  204  and shell  206  may close on each other so as to form a smaller opening  210  or no opening at all. 
     It will be appreciated that the grill  204  contains a number of perforations, also referred to as apertures or ventilation. In this embodiment apertures  212  are shaped in the form of flowers, complete with pedals and stems. In other embodiments, the apertures may be other geometric or non-geometric shapes, including circles, ovals, squares, triangles, stars, random patterns, etc. Moreover, the apertures may be configured as designs, such as corporate logos, words, pictures, or the like. Lastly, the apertures may be mixed, such that not all apertures of a particular container are the same shape nor the same size. 
     As better shown in  FIG.  7   , a lower angle perspective view of the container  200 , it will be appreciated that the base  202  is also configured with perforations, or apertures  214 . 
     The container  200  is shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7    in the fully closed condition, such that the grill  204  and shell  206  completely surround the interior of the container above the base  202 . It will be appreciated that the container  200  may be opened by rotation of the shell  206  about the grill  204 , thus exposing the interior above the base  202 . A container  200  in a partially opened condition is shown in  FIG.  8   , where the shell  206  has been rotated approximately 90 degrees about the grill  204  from the completely closed configuration shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Of note, and in the embodiment shown, the shell  206  may rotate from less than 1 degree to 180 degrees through infinitely variable adjustments to provide infinitely variable levels of opening. While there are various configurations and methods of providing for such rotation, the configuration and method of rotation used for the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS.  6 - 14    will be discussed below. Generally speaking, however, it will be appreciated that the grill  204  is fixed to the base  202  while the shell  206  is free to rotate around the base and about the grill via a continuous track formed by the base and grill.  FIG.  9    shows a perspective view of the container  100  in a fully open condition. 
     In other embodiments, rotation may be limited to less than 180 degrees or expanded beyond 180 degrees. To expand beyond 180 degrees, it will be appreciated that the container may include two shells rather than one, where the two shells and the associated grill are each sized approximately ⅓ of the total 360 degree circumference of the base. In that case, sliding of the two shells such that they overlap will open the container greater than 180 degrees, and more in the range of 240 degrees. Other similar arrangements may also be provided. 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    provide an opportunity to view ventilation paths through the container  200 . One ventilation path extends from apertures  214  to apertures  212 ; another extends from apertures  214  to opening  210 ; and a third extends from apertures  212  to opening  210 . Each of these ventilation paths also extends in the opposite direction depending on the movement of air through the container  200 . 
     The total ventilation of container  200  is approximately 65-70% in the closed condition, accounting for the apertures and the top opening. The grill  204  itself has been calculated to be 42% vented, with a range of 40-45% considered preferable. 
     With the introduction of  FIGS.  10  through  12  and  14   , each exploded views of the container  200  from different angles, specific elements of the various components of the container may be discussed more clearly. Starting at the bottom of the container as shown in the view of  FIG.  10   , it will be appreciated that the base  202  is configured in a generally round configuration with a floor  216  and plurality of downwardly depending feet  218 . In the embodiment shown, the floor  216  is concave such that a sponge/blender placed thereon will be retained within the well formed by concave cavity. The floor  216  also includes the apertures  214  to allow excess liquid to drip from the container  200  while also permitting air to exchange between within and below the container. 
     The downwardly depending feet  218  in the embodiment shown are relatively large and include an arcuate portion  220  between adjacent feet. It will be appreciated that various other configurations may be utilized both for aesthetic and functional purposes, so long as the floor  216  of the container  200  is lifted from the surface (not shown) upon which the container is to be placed. In alternative embodiments, the base  202  may not include downwardly depending feet and the floor  216  may sit directly on the surface (not shown) upon which the container is to be placed. Likewise, in alternate embodiments, whether with downwardly depending feet or without, the floor  216  may not be perforated. In the event the floor is not perforated (or possibly even if it is), the floor may include a mirror (not shown) on the underside of the container to aid in the application of makeup. 
     On the top surface  222  of the base  202  there are provided receptacles  224  for mounting of the grill  206 . In the embodiment shown, there are three such receptacles  224  and they are each sized and configured to accept insertion of mounting lugs  226  found on the lower portion  228  of the grill  206 . As best shown in  FIG.  13   , a cross sectional view through the container  200 , the receptacles  224  each include a lock  230  formed with a ramped upper surface  232  and a flat lower surface  234 . The lug  226  includes a rib  236 , which is a bulbous portion at the lower end thereof. When inserted into the receptacle  224 , the rib  236  slides against the ramped upper surface  232  of the receptacle and causes the lug  226  to deflect slightly as it cantilevers from the remainder of the grill  206 . Upon passing the ramped upper surface  232  entirely, the lug  226  resumes its undeflected position and locks up against the flat lower surface  234  to connect the grill  206  to the base  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , it will be appreciated that the grill includes a recessed track  240  extending around the lower portion  228  thereof while the base  202  includes a recessed track  246  carved within an extension  250  thereof, extending upward from the base  202 . The recessed tracks  240 ,  246  are both C-shaped. The shell  206  includes a bead  242  extending around the interior portion of its lower portion  244 , the bead  242  being sized and configured to fit within the recessed tracks  240 ,  246 . 
     By virtue of the above-referenced interactions, it will be appreciated that the grill  204  is affixed directly to the base  202  in an immovable manner. In the meantime, the shell  206  attaches to the grill  204  and base  202  and may freely rotate about two components by virtue of the bead  242  of the shell travelling within the recessed tracks  240 ,  246  of the grill and base respectively. Such movement may be performed in infinitely variable steps from a completely closed condition of the container  200  shown in  FIG.  6   , to a partially open condition of the container shown in  FIG.  8   , and finally to a completely open condition of the container shown in  FIG.  9    and vice-versa. In order to achieve such a result, it will be appreciated that the tracks  240 ,  246  are continuous in an intersection area  252  where they abut each other, as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     The container  200  shown and described, in addition to other containers, have undergone testing described below. As will be seen, the results of the testing reveal that containers with cross-ventilation are advantageous over non-cross-ventilated containers in that they sponge/blenders placed therein dry faster. 
     In a first test, between the container  400  shown in  FIG.  17    and the container  500  shown in  FIG.  18   , the level of moisture removed in an 8 hour timeframe was determined. For comparison purposes, the container  400  in  FIG.  17    includes a single port  402  with four apertures  404  and an approximate surface area ventilation of 6-8%. With its single port  402  and four apertures  404 , the container  400  does not exhibit cross-ventilation. Of particular note here is that the bottom  406  is closed. The container  500  of  FIG.  18    was provided with apertures  502  along the top portion and apertures  504  along an elevated support stand  506 . With this arrangement, the container  500  provides modified cross-ventilation from support stand  506  to top and vice-versa, the modification being that ventilation through the support stand does not reach externally to the container. 
     To conduct the test, a single moistened sponge/blender weighing 16 grams was placed in each container (a completely dry sponge/blender weighs 8 grams, the 16 grams accounting for an additional 8 grams of retained liquid). After 8 hours each of the sponge/blenders was weighed. The sponge/blender from container  400  exhibited 0 grams of drying and therefore still weighed 16 grams while the container  500  exhibited 2 grams of drying and therefore weighed 14 grams. 
     A second test was then conducted using the containers of  FIGS.  19  through  22   , namely containers  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 , all formed from Styrofoam drinking cups. It will be appreciated that container  600  includes ventilation apertures  602  only on the side of the container spaced relatively evenly around the perimeter; container  700  includes ventilation apertures (or slots)  702  at the base of the container and ventilation apertures  704  at the extreme top portion, with additional apertures  706  at the junction between the top and the side; container  800  includes ventilation apertures  802  only on the side of the container around its entire perimeter; and container  900  includes ventilation apertures (or slots)  902  at the base of the container, and ventilation apertures  904  at the side of the container, some of which form ventilation apertures  906  at intersection of the top of the container and side of the container for maximum cross-ventilation. 
     After 8 hours of drying time for 16 gram moistened sponge/blenders in each container, only container  900  exhibited an appreciable level of drying, with a 2 gram reduction to 14 grams. 
     In a third test, a sponge/blender in container  400  was tested against a sponge/blender in container  1000  of  FIG.  23   . Container  1000  was again formed from a Styrofoam cup, this time with a lid  1002  covering its natural opening at the top (not shown). The base includes both apertures (or slots)  1004  at the side of the base and apertures  1006  underneath the base. The container  1000  also included apertures  1008  at the side of the container and again was finally capped with lid  1002 . 
     After 8 hours of testing these two containers  400 ,  1000 , container  400  again exhibited no appreciable change from its initial 16 gram test weight while container  1000  exhibited a 4 gram reduction from 16 grams to 12 grams, again proving the effectiveness of cross-ventilation. 
     In a fourth test, container  900  was tested against container  1000 . This time after 8 hours of drying time container  900  exhibited 1 gram of weight reduction from 16 grams while container  1000  exhibited no appreciable difference from its 16 gram starting weight. The test was then extended another 4 hours for a total of 12 hours. After that extended test, both containers exhibited a 1 gram reduction from 16 grams to 15 grams total. 
     To summarize these test results, it became apparent that cross-ventilation provided by base ventilation and either side or top ventilation was most effective. 
     In a final test, the conventional container  400  was compared with the container  200  shown in  FIGS.  6 - 14   , in the closed condition. Here, sponges/blenders weighing 13 grams were placed in each container and held for 24 hours. The conventional container  400  exhibited signs of condensation building on the interior surfaces as air was unable to circulate to dry out the sponge/blender due to lack of cross-ventilation. Moreover, the sponge/blender stored in container  400  retained its full 13 gram weight. In the meantime, the sponge/blender stored in the container  200  weighed 10 grams after the test. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS.  15  and  16   , there is provided a container having a pair of hinges and combining features of containers  100  and  200 . Accordingly, the container  300  includes a base  302 , a grill  304 , and a shell  306 , where the grill and shell are connected to the base with hinges  308 ,  310 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , the grill  304  and shell  306  can pivot from the base  302  of the container  300  to place the container in an open condition. As shown in  FIG.  16   , the grill  304  can pivot toward the base  302  to partially close the container  300 . Although not shown, the shell  306  can also pivot with respect to the base  302  to fully enclose the container, in which case the container takes on a form very similar to the container  200  shown in  FIG.  6   . In this regard, it will be appreciated that the grill  304  is slightly smaller than the shell  306  such that the grill may partially overlap with the shell near the base  302 . 
     In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention,  FIGS.  24 A through  24 D  depict further views of a container  1100 . The container  1100  includes a shell  1102 , grill  1104 , and base  1106 , where the shell and base include apertures  1108 ,  1110 , respectively, for cross-ventilation. As in other embodiments, the grill  1104  is fixed to the base  1106  and the shell  1102  rotates around the grill to open or close the container  1100 . 
       FIGS.  25 A through  25 C  depict multiple views of an additional embodiment an inventive container  1200  in accordance with the present invention. Here, the container  1200  includes a base  1202  with apertures  1204  in the form of slots. Upon the base  1202  is provided a main cover  1206  with apertures  1208  through its upper portion. The main cover  1206  may be attached to the base  1202  as shown in  FIG.  25 A  to close the container  1200  or may be removed from the base as shown in  FIG.  25 C  to open the container. Together the apertures  1204 ,  1208  provide cross-ventilation. 
       FIGS.  26 A through  26 D  depict multiple views of a another embodiment an inventive container  1300  in accordance with the present invention. Here, a container  1300  includes a base  1302  with a shell  1304  mounted on top. A lid  1306  is hinged to the shell  1304  to provide a means for opening and closing the container  1300 . In some embodiments the base  1302  and shell  1304  may be formed as one component. The base includes apertures  1310 , the shell includes a series of apertures  1312 , and the lid includes a series of apertures  1314 . Together these apertures  1310 ,  1312 ,  1314  provide cross-ventilation. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.