Patent Publication Number: US-11375798-B2

Title: Bangle and makeup kit combination assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/052,732 filed on Jul. 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a bangle and makeup kit combination assembly and method of operation. More so, a combination assembly provides a personal adornment, such as an annular-shaped bangle that discretely stores, and efficiently dispenses individual components of a makeup kit through use of a multilayer configuration of annular members comprising an outer ornamental cover, an outer annular member, a middle makeup retention member having slots that correspond with makeup components, and an inner annular layer; and further including edge locking mechanism that secure the annular members and makeup kit components into the ornamental bangle configuration until disassembly for access to the makeup kit is desired. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cosmetic or makeup containers are women&#39;s routine items when needing to make up, refine the make-up, and provides makeup ornaments. A typical cosmetic container comprises some divided cases for different types of cosmetic materials. Therefore, to offer the flexibility and convenience for women carrying, a variety of compact cosmetic containers with individual functions are designed to be on sale in the market. In addition, to satisfy the function of positioning multiple makeup ornaments, some makeup kit cases with different shapes of containers are developed. 
     However, one of the flaws in current makeup kit cases is that the designs of makeup kit cases or containers have not facilitated users to carry those cases because they are big and heavy. It is well-known that usually, it is exhausting for women to carry the big cases. Also, the big makeup cases themselves are hard to be positioned in an appropriate bag. 
     Another disadvantage is that users cannot access the makeup easily although the makeup components are positioned well in the divided containers of the cosmetics case assembly. For example, the makeup ornaments in divided cases are not accessible because the disposal and connection between different divisions of the assembly are not designed well. 
     Therefore, what is clearly needed is a type of makeup kit container that is easy to carry and access makeup for users. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to provide a bangle and makeup kit combination assembly for conveniently carrying and accessing makeup when needed. 
     In order to achieve the above objectives, accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bangle and makeup kit combination assembly is provided comprising: a makeup kit having multiple makeup components; a bangle having; an ornamental cover annular member defined by a decorative surface; an outer annular member detachably fitted inside the ornamental cover annular member; a middle makeup retention annular member detachably fitted inside the outer annular member, the middle makeup retention member being defined by at least one slot corresponding to at least one of the multiple makeup components, the middle makeup retention member further being defined by at least one collar corresponding to at least one of the multiple makeup components; and an inner annular member detachably fitted inside the middle makeup retention annular member. 
     In one embodiment, the bangle further has edge locking mechanisms detachably fitted to the periphery of the ornamental cover annular member, the outer annular member, the middle makeup retention annular member and the inner annular member, the edge locking mechanisms being operable to detachably fasten the annular members and makeup kit components to form the bangle, whereby unfastening the edge locking mechanisms enable access to the makeup kit. 
     In one embodiment the makeup kit further includes at least one of the following: cream eyeliner with eyeliner applicator, cream brow liner with brow liner applicators, makeup trays, mirrors, and a makeup applicator. 
     In one embodiment the ornamental cover annular member includes a surface made from at least of one of the following: gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, precious stones, semi-precious stones, synthetic gems, and crystals. 
     In one embodiment the edge locking mechanism forms a snap-fit relationship with the periphery of the annular members. 
     In one embodiment the middle makeup retention annular member has an octahedral shape and forms multiple protrusions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the makeup kit components disassembled from the bangle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrates side perspective views of an exemplary middle makeup retention annular member, showing the slots and collars slidably receiving corresponding makeup kit components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle, showing the bangle having a cylindrical shape with traversing grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle, showing the bangle having a convex contour shape, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle, showing the bangle having a convex contour shape with traversing grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle, showing the bangle having a wavy contour shape with traversing grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative hinged configuration of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the annular members hingedly connected and revealing a magnet layered on the inside of the the middle makeup retention annular member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the relationship or order of assembly of all the members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another exploded view of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the relationship or order of assembly of all the members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another exploded view of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the relationship or order of assembly of various annular members, multiple makeup components, and edge locking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates another exploded view of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the relationship or order of the bangle of various annular members and edge locking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention presented in  FIGS. 1-11 , a bangle and makeup kit combination assembly  100  and method of operation provide a personal adornment, such as an annular-shaped bangle  106 , that discretely stores and efficiently dispenses individual components of a makeup kit  102 . The bangle  106  and makeup kit  102  combination assembly  100 , hereafter “assembly  100 ” provides a multilayer configuration of annular members that detachably fit together in an onion-layered configuration. 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  100  comprises a makeup kit  102  comprising multiple makeup components, such as cream eyeliner/cream brow liner, with eyeliner and brow liner applicators  104   a , makeup trays  104   b ,  104   c , mirrors  104   e , and a makeup applicator  104   f . The assembly  100  further comprises a bangle  106  having an outer ornamental cover that is defined by a decorative surface. The bangle  106  further comprises an outer annular member  110   a ,  110   b , a middle makeup retention annular member  112  having slots  200  that correspond with makeup components, and an inner annular layer. The bangle  106  also includes an edge locking mechanism  116   a ,  116   b  that secures the annular members and makeup kit  102  components into the ornamental bangle  106  configuration until disassembly  100  for access to the makeup kit  102  is desired. In this manner, the bangle  106  can be worn as an ornament, and then disassembled to access the makeup kit  102  contained therein. 
     One aspect of a bangle  106  and makeup kit  102  combination assembly  100 , comprises: 
     a makeup kit  102  having multiple makeup components; 
     a bangle  106  having:
         an ornamental cover annular member  108  defined by a decorative surface;   an outer annular member  110   a ,  110   b  detachably fitted inside the ornamental cover annular member  108 ;   a middle makeup retention annular member  112  detachably fitted inside the outer annular member  110   a ,  110   b , the middle makeup retention annular member  112     being defined by at least one slot  200  corresponding to at least one of the multiple makeup components, the middle makeup retention annular member  112  further being defined by at least one collar  202   a ,  202   b  corresponding to at least one of the multiple makeup components; and   an inner annular member  114  detachably fitted inside the middle makeup retention annular member  112 .       

     In another aspect, the bangle further has edge locking mechanisms detachably fitted to the periphery of the ornamental cover annular member, the outer annular member, the middle makeup retention annular member and the inner annular member, the edge locking mechanisms being operable to detachably fasten the annular members and makeup kit components to form the bangle, whereby unfastening the edge locking mechanisms enable access to the makeup kit. 
     In another aspect, the makeup kit  102  includes at least one of the following: cream eye liner with eyeliner applicator and cream brow liner with eyeliner and brow liner applicators  104   a , makeup trays  104   b ,  104   c , mirrors  104   e , and a makeup applicator  104   f.    
     In another aspect, the ornamental cover annular member  108  includes a surface made from at least one of the following: gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, precious stones, semi-precious stones, synthetic gems, and crystals. 
     In another aspect, the edge locking mechanism  116   a ,  116   b  forms a snap-fit relationship with the periphery of the annular members. 
     In another aspect, the middle makeup retention annular member  112  has an octahedral shape and forms multiple protrusions. 
     One objective of the present invention is to combine the ornamental aspects of a bangle  106  with a makeup kit  102 . 
     Another objective is to secure the separate components of a makeup kit  102  in a convenient ornament that can be carried on the wrists. 
     Another objective is to provide a means to easily access makeup. 
       FIG. 1  references the bangle  106  and makeup kit  102  combination assembly  100 , showing the makeup kit components  104   a - f  disassembled from the bangle  106 . In some embodiments, the assembly  100  comprises a makeup kit  102  having multiple makeup components. In some embodiments, the makeup kit  102  may include, without limitation, a cream eyeliner/cream brow liner, with eyeliner and brow liner applicators  104   a , a makeup tray, a mirror, and a makeup applicator  104   f . The liners may be configured as a cream eyeliner/cream brow liner, with eyeliner and brow liner applicators. In other embodiments, lipstick may replace or be used in conjunction with the cream eyeliner/cream brow liner, with eyeliner and brow liner applicators  104   a . The makeup tray is configured to carry a shade, a concealer, or other makeups known in the art. The mirror is small, and compact enough to fit in the bangle  106 , similar to the other components of the makeup kit  102 . 
     The other component of the present invention is a bangle  106 . The bangle  106  is a ring-shaped piece of jewelry that is known in the art to be worn on the wrist. However, in other embodiments, other types of jewelry having a generally annular shape may also be used, such as a bracelet, a necklace, and on a smaller scale, a ring. The bangle  106  is fabricated into multiple annular members that layered onto each other. A middle annular member has slots  200  and collars  202   a ,  202   b  that slidably receive the makeup kit  102  components for storage and dispensing. Furthermore, fastening means secure the layered annular members together. In alternative embodiments, magnets are layered inside the slots. The magnets work to attract the makeup kit components, and thereby create a more secure attachment therein. For example, a makeup tray is fabricated from metal/aluminum, and carries a blush powder. The makeup tray can be slid into the respective slot, and does not slide out due to the magnetic attraction to the metal components of the tray. 
     In one example as shown in  FIG. 8 , the bangle  106  includes an ornamental cover annular member  108  that is the outermost, visible layer of the bangle  106 . The ornamental cover annular member  108  is defined by a decorative surface, such as the gold, stones, etc. However, in other embodiments, the ornamental cover annular member  108  may include, without limitation, gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, precious stones, semi-precious stones, synthetic gems, and crystals. Further, different textures and shapes may be used to provide a greater ornamental effect. 
     Preferably, the next layer of the bangle  106 , is an outer annular member  110   a ,  110   b  that is detachably fitted inside the ornamental cover annular member  108 . This can include both a left side  110   a  and a right side  110   b  annular member. The outer annular member  110   a - b  has a slightly smaller diameter than the ornamental cover annular member  108 , so as to fit in this layered disposition. This attachment may be a snap fit connection, or may include attachment by sliding grooves, screws, magnets, or cables. However, in other embodiments, the edge locking mechanism  116   a ,  116   b  works to hold the ornamental cover annular member  108 , the inner annular member  114 , the middle makeup retention annular member  112 , the outer annular member  110   a - b  to assemble the bangle  106 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A-2C , combined with  FIG. 1 , the bangle  106  includes a middle makeup retention annular member  112  that is detachably fitted inside the outer annular member  110   a ,  110   b . The middle makeup retention annular member  112  has a slightly smaller diameter than the outer annular member  110   a - b , so as to fit in this layered disposition. Further, the middle makeup retention annular member  112  is the primary component for securely retaining the makeup components. For this function, a series of slots  200  and collars  202   a ,  202   b  form on the outer periphery of the middle makeup retention annular member  112 . 
     For this makeup retention function as shown in  FIG. 2A-2C , the middle makeup retention annular member  112  is defined by at least one slot  200  that corresponds to at least one of the multiple makeup components. For example, the slot  200  may have two outer rails that slidably receive a flat, square-shaped makeup component, such as the makeup tray, mirror, and/or makeup applicator  104   f . Furthermore, the middle makeup retention annular member  112  also has at least one collar  202   a ,  202   b  corresponding to at least one of the multiple makeup components. This may include the cream eyeliner/cream brow liner, with eyeliner and brow liner applicators  104   a , discussed above. However, any elongated makeup component may be fitted into the collars  202   a - b . In some embodiments, the collar  202   a - b  has a diameter between 5-15 mm. However, other dimensions may be used. 
     Continuing with the layered configuration of the bangle  106 , an inner annular member  114  is configured to be detachably fitted inside the middle makeup retention annular member  112 . The inner annular member  114  has a slightly smaller diameter than the middle makeup retention annular member  112 , so as to fit in this layered disposition. In some embodiments, the middle makeup retention annular member  112  has an octahedral shape and forms multiple protrusions. This creates a greater ornamental effect for the bangle  106 . 
     In order to secure the aforementioned annular members together, the assembly  100  provides an edge locking mechanism  116   a ,  116   b  that is detachably fitted to the periphery of the annular members. The edge locking mechanism  116   a - b  detachably fastens the annular members and makeup kit  102  components to form the bangle  106 . In this manner, unfastening the edge lock mechanism enables access to the makeup kit  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the edge locking mechanism  116   a - b  forms a snap-fit relationship with the periphery of the annular members. The edge locking mechanism  116   a - b  may also be annular shaped, and have an X-shaped protrusion, a corresponding X-shaped depression, or threaded means to secure to the periphery of the annular members. In another embodiment, a pair of edge locking mechanisms  116   a - b  rotatably fit together to lock onto the edges of the annular members discussed above. 
     In operation, the edge locking mechanism  116   a - b  is rotated to disassemble the annular members. The middle makeup retention annular member  112  is removed from the other annular members. The desired makeup component is slidably removed from its respective slot  200  or collar  202   a ,  202   b . After usage, the makeup component is returned to the middle makeup retention annular member  112 , and the annular members are once again fastened together in their respective order for donning the bangle  106 . 
     The assembly is also unique in providing various ornamental configurations for the bangle. For example,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle  300 , showing the bangle having a cylindrical shape with traversing grooves. In another example,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle  400 , showing the bangle having a convex contour shape. In yet another example,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle  500 , showing the bangle having a convex contour shape with traversing grooves. In a final example,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bangle  600 , showing the bangle having a wavy contour shape with traversing grooves. However, in other embodiments, any annular/ring-shaped ornamental piece may also be used in place of a bangle for wearing and for retaining the components of the makeup kit. 
     In yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 , a hinged bangle  700  has multiple annular members that close in to form the bangle  700 , and open outwardly to reveal the makeup kit components. The termini of the inner member and the middle makeup retention annular member pivot about a hinge  704  that allows for easy opening and closing to the desired position. An interlocking component  710  utilizes a clamp, snap, magnet, or other friction-fit mechanism to fasten the annular members into a closed, bangle position for wearing. Preferably, the interlocking component  710  are mounted at the end of the middle makeup retention annular member  706  and the inner annular member. To open the bangle  700 , the inner annular members and the middle makeup retention annular member are detached at the interlocking component  710 . Further, as discussed above, the middle makeup retention annular member  706  contains more than one sheet of magnet  712  that works to attract makeup kit components. The magnet  712  is attached on the surface of the respective slot of the middle makeup retention annular member  706 . In an example, a makeup tray  702  slides into the respective slot of the middle makeup retention annular member  706 , and remains attached securely therein due to the magnetic attraction of the magnet  712 . In the embodiment, the middle makeup retention annular member  706  may contain multiple magnets and slots. Preferably, the middle makeup retention annular member  706  may contain collars with an open to position some makeup pens or sticks, including eyeliner, brow liner, etc. 
     In an alternative example, the middle makeup retention annular member  706  contains a slideway  714  along the radial direction near the end, and the outer annular member  708  contains a slider bar  716 , so that the slider bar  716  can slide along the slideway  714 , consequently resulting in the slide-in and slide-out of the outer annular member  708 . Preferably, the slideway  714  contains a block at one end to prevent the slider bar  716  from sliding beyond the end of the slideway  714 . The block can prevent a complete detachment of the inner and outer annular member of the bangle. More preferably, the slideway  714  is shaped into “T” shape and the slider bar  716  is shaped into “⊥” shape accordingly, thereby allowing the slider bar  716  to stay in the groove of the slideway (“T” shape), consequently securing the position of slider bar  716  and preventing the outer annular member from dropping off. In operation, when the outer annular member slides out, the makeup tray is accessible. 
       FIGS. 8-11  illustrates some exploded views of the bangle and makeup kit combination assembly, showing the relationship or order of assembly of various members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     The connection and position of all the members, including multiple makeup components, various annular members, and edge locking mechanisms, are illustrated visibly in  FIGS. 8-9 . All the makeup components are positioned well in this assembly, and all the members are fitted into each other well to establish a stylish and applicable bangle in which the makeup components are positioned well. 
     Likewise,  FIGS. 10-11  substantially indicate the connection and order of inner/out annular members and edge locking mechanism after the assembly of members or parts of members. Via the well-designed members and skillful configuration, the present invention has solved the preexisting and lasting problems in prior arts, i.e. not easily accessible to makeup or makeup case being big and heavy. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.