Patent Publication Number: US-8109280-B2

Title: Cosmetic product compact having pivoting sections

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a container for holding a cosmetic product. According to an example, the container has sections that are configured to pivot with respect to each other in a controlled manner and lock in the opened and closed positions. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Storage containers for cosmetics or the like, are known that have one or more storage parts for holding cosmetic products with the storage parts formed as pivoting sections that pivot about a centrally located axis. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,078 discloses a rotary telescopic tray structure including six trays stacked on a common central post. Each tray except the bottom tray has a catch on its undersurface adjacent a peripheral corner of the tray. As the upper tray is rotated, the trays will fan out into the extended position with a preceding tray pulling out the succeeding tray below it when the respective catches engage one another. 
     However, with the above discussed device, there is no arrangement to control the rotational torque. This device merely provides a catch to stop the complete rotation of the tray in the opened or closed position. 
     Therefore, cosmetic compacts in the related art do not provide for a feature to sufficiently control the feel of the pivoting movement between the open and closed positions of the sections and thus, may leave the user with a feeling that the compact device is of poor quality and/or is not structurally adequate to prevent the cosmetic product from spilling out of the container from inadvertent opening. 
     Additionally, pivoting mechanisms similar to the central post discussed above in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,078, include an opening and closing mechanism that can require a lot of space. Further, the related art includes pivoting sections connected by a complex securing device as disclosed in FR2737091. As shown in JP60-2909, the related art also includes latching devices that will be highly visible to the user, which also may not be desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the invention, it has been recognized that prior compact devices suffer from one or more disadvantages including: less than satisfactory pivoting action or pivot mechanisms, poor security of feel to the user, and/or an opening or pivoting mount that is cumbersome or unsightly. 
     The present invention relates to improved container and/or compact devices. According to an example, the device includes a container that is suitable for packaging of a product with sections pivotable with respect to each other that allow a user to open the sections of the compact device in a secure manner. For example, an upper section can be rotated with respect to a lower base section. 
     According to an example, the cosmetic device has a rotating torque that provides a desirable resistance to the user when rotating and provides confidence to a user that the pivoting sections are secured in the open or closed position and during rotation. 
     In one example, one of the sections of the compact device includes a projection that is received in a groove formed in another section to provide a secure and controlled swiveling of the sections with respect to each other. That is, the projection and corresponding groove are configured such that mechanical resistance developed by the projection within the groove changes when the projection is moved from a first end to a second end of the groove. With such an arrangement, the projection sliding in the groove can provide a secure non-loose feeling to the user during opening and closing of the pivoting sections. According to a further improvement, the depth and/or width of the groove changes in order to increase or decrease the amount of contact between the projection and groove. In this way, resistance generated between the projection and the groove changes and alters the feeling to the user during opening and closing. 
     In another example, in the opened and closed positions, the groove includes a deeper portion to allow the projection to be at least partially inserted therein to prevent further rotation of the sections with respect to each other. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the groove begins at a first position substantially adjacent a side wall of section and extends in an arcurate shape to a second position substantially adjacent the side wall. Another example provides the groove over only part of a distance between the first and second positions. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can include, for example, a pivoting device forming an axis of rotation that is at least substantially non-visible by the user. As an example, the pivoting device, such as a pin, can be formed in an interior portion, for example in the side wall, of the one or more sections. Accordingly, it is difficult for a user to see any portion of the pivoting device, which provides an aesthetically pleasing cosmetic container. 
     An example of the invention provides the projection and groove features separate from the pivoting feature, which allows for a smaller wall thickness in the plurality of sections of the cosmetic container. 
     By way of example, a latching device can be provided for connecting a cover or lid to a section in the closed position to allow for a positive and stable or secure feel to the user when the lid opens or closes. 
     An example of the invention includes a device to provide an audible click to indicate a section has arrived at the open and/or closed position with respect to an adjacent section. 
     The device according to the invention may advantageously be used for packaging or a cosmetic or dermatological product, in the form of a liquid, soft, semi-soft, or hard product. 
     As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood from reading the description which follows and from examining the accompanying figures. These are provided solely as non-limiting examples of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic showing a compact device according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic showing swiveling/pivoting sections according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-section of a section of the compact device showing a receiving portion for a pin according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic showing the pin and the pin receptor of a section of the compact device according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic showing the bottom of a section having a groove formed therein according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is an inverted cross-sectional view of a projection in a groove according to an example; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a compact device according to an example of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a partially opened compact device according to an example of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section of a compact according to an example of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, 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. 
     As discussed earlier, during use of a compact, an opening and closing that is not controlled can feel loose and insecure to the user. Additionally, a pivoting mechanism that takes up a lot of space and is visible to the consumer is not desirable. 
     Accordingly, the compact device preferably includes pivoting portions that open and close in a secure manner and lock in the opened and closed positions. Further, the pivoting portion of the compact device is not visible to the user during normal use which provides an aesthetically pleasing device to the user. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematics showing the compact device according to one or more examples of the invention. The compact device can be a generally circular device that includes a base  10 , center pivoting section  20 , and a cover  30 . The compact device is shown having the base  10  and center section  20  that pivot horizontally with respect to each other. In other words, during pivoting, relative movement of the sections is horizontal. In this example, the pivoting movement is about an axis  3  perpendicular to the base and center sections, for example, with the pivot axis perpendicular to the bottom of the base. 
     It is within the spirit and scope of the invention to have any number of sections that can pivot with respect to each other. For example, a base  10  can be provided along with two sections  20 , and a cover  30 . The base  10  and sections  20  would be able to rotate with respect to each other in a similar manner as described in one or more examples set forth below. Where additional pivotable sections are provided, they can pivot about a common axis or plural coaxial axes, or alternatively, they can pivot about axes that are at different locations about the periphery of the compact. For example, with two center sections, one center section can pivot with respect to the other center section at a location diametrically opposite to the pivot between one section and the base, or the pivot axes can all be aligned. 
     The compact device is shown in the Figures as a generally circular device. However, examples of the invention can include a compact device having any desirable shape such as triangular, oval, square, rectangular, and the like. Further, it should be appreciated that the compact device of the invention can be made of any known or later developed material such as plastic or metal, which can be formed into a structure capable of containing a cosmetic product for a user. 
     An example of the invention provides for at least a part of the outside side wall of one or more of the base  10 , center section  20 , and cover  30  to be tapered to form a gripping area for the user to place their hands when holding the compact. The tapered region can provide a secure feeling to the user that the compact will not slip out of their hands. As an example, the outer surface  4 , best shown in  FIG. 3B , of the side wall of the base  10  is tapered, for example, inwardly to the surface adjacent the bottom surface of the center section  20 . Further, the outer surface  14 , best shown in  FIG. 3A , of the center section  20  is tapered, for example, outwardly from the surface adjacent the base  10  to a contact area with the cover  30 . The cover  30  can also be tapered, if desired, in any fashion to form the upper part of the tapered gripping area. For example, the widest diameter area of the compact device can be formed at the bottom of base  10  and at the top portion of cover  30 , with the narrowest diameter formed at the contacting area between the base  10  and center section  20 . Thus, for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the top (or cover)  30  and bottom (or base)  10  can have a larger diameter or periphery than the center of the compact. 
     Accordingly, it should be appreciated that due to design, aesthetic and/or other considerations, the side surfaces of the base  10 , center  20 , and/or cover  30  can have the same or different diameters, be any shape, such as curved and/or can be formed with protrusions or the like to provide the user with a secure grip on the compact device during use. Further by way of example, protrusions can also be formed on only a part of the side surfaces of the base  10 , center  20 , and/or cover  30  to provide a gripping area to aid with opening and closing of the compact device. 
     By way of example, the base  10  and center section  20  can be generally hollow structures with side walls and a bottom portion as illustrated in the drawings. When in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the top of the base  10  can be closed by the bottom of the center section  20  and the top of the center section  20  can be closed by the cover  30 . The hollow interior portions of the sections are configured to hold cosmetic products, mirrors, cosmetic pads, and the like, as discussed below. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as best shown in  FIG. 2 , the hollow interior portion of the center section  20  is a reservoir or containing area  35  for the product to be stored. The product can be for example, a lip, a skin, or other type of make-up or dermatological product and can be in the form of, for example, a liquid, a gel, a cream, powder and can have the consistency of, for example, a solid or cake, pasty, semi-soft, or flowable product. The base  10  can include a mirror  9  for use by the consumer during application of the product. The cover  30  includes a transparent area  32  to allow the user to see through the cover  30  at the product contained therein to eliminate the need to open the compact to determine what is inside. 
     The hollow interior portions of the base  10  and/or center section  20  can also be used to store an applicator pad or dispenser used in applying the cosmetic product stored in the compact device. For example, an indentation  2  can be formed to help the user to gain access to the mirror, contents, and/or applicator. The indentation  2  can be formed in any of the pivotal sections. Additionally, the interior portions of either the base  10  or center  20  can have a mirror formed therein for use by the consumer during application of the cosmetic product. Therefore, it should be appreciated that either the base  10  or center section  20  can contain a product, an applicator pad, and/or a mirror. 
     As discussed above,  FIG. 2  shows a base  10  and center section  20  pivoting with respect to each other. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have multiple sections that pivot with respect to each other utilizing the features of embodiments of the invention described herein. Accordingly, one of the one or more pivoting sections could have any one of a mirror  9 , a cosmetic product, and/or applicator, and the like contained therein as desired by the user. More than one component can also be provided in a given compartment. For example, a compartment could hold a mirror and an applicator (such as an applicator pad), or a compartment can include a product and an applicator. 
     The cover  30  is configured to be pivotally connected to the top portion of the center section  20  and opened and closed by the user to allow the user access to the interior of the center section  20 . The cover can be rotated sufficiently, for example at least 90 degrees, to allow the user access to center section  20 . The cover can be a solid one piece or can include one or more transparent areas to allow the user to look inside section  20 . The center section  20  is connected to the cover by way of a connecting device  33 , such as for example a pin or similar type structure as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . According to an example shown in  FIG. 6 , the connection device and also an area around the connection device, between the cover  30  and center section  20  can be recessed into a portion of, for example, the side walls of the cover  30  and/or center section  20  to maintain the smooth exterior surface for the user to grip when holding the compact device. 
     When the cover  30  is closed, the center section  20  and cover  30  are connected together in a secured manner to prevent the cosmetic product from escaping from the center section  20 . As an example, a ridge  36  is formed with the center section  20  that can contact a protrusion  37  formed on cover  30  to secure the cover  30  to the center section  20 . It should be appreciated that the ridge  36  and protrusion  37  can have any desirable shape or size and the connecting device between the cover  30  and center section  20  can be in the form of a clasp or snap or similar structure in order to facilitate the connection there between. Further, the connecting device can be formed to make an audible sound when connected together to alert the user that a secure connection was made. 
       FIG. 2  shows the compact device with the cover  30  open and the center section  20  and base  10  pivoted with respect to each other. According to the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the center section  20  rotates with respect to the base, approximately 180 degrees from the closed position to the open position. As also shown in  FIG. 2 , according to a preferred example, the axis rotation or pivot axis of the lid with respect to the center section extends transverse to the axis of rotation or pivot axis  3  of the center section with respect to the base. In the illustrated example, the lid pivots relative to the center section about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the center section relative to the base. Rotating the two sections this amount allows the user to have maximum access to the hollow interior portion of base  10 . After rotating 180 degrees, the center section  20  and base  10  can be locked into that position by a locking device discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  4 . The locking device will preferably engage at the open angle resulting in the center section  20  being stably secured and locked in the desired position with respect to the base  10 . It should be appreciated that the center section  20  and base  10  can rotate any desirable amount before being locked into position, for example at an angle less than or greater than 180 degrees. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a part of the bottom surface of the center section  20  can contact and/or overlap a portion of the base  10 , depending on the depth of the side wall of the base  10 , when the two sections are at a desirable rotation with respect to each other. In this way, the base section  10  and center section  20  can provide support in the open position. It should be appreciated that any various amounts of the base  10  can remain in contact and/or be overlapped by the center section  20  in the open position depending on the amount of full rotation provided. Preferably, the entire recess is accessible in the open position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , an outer surface of the side wall of the center section  20  to be substantially on a same plane as an interior surface of the side wall of base  10 . This will allow the user to have full access to the interior of the base  10  without interference from a portion of, for example the side wall of, the center section  20 . As an example, with a mirror  9  formed in the base  10 , the mirror  9  is in full view to the consumer while using a cosmetic product  35  contained in the center section  20 . Alternatively, if a product is provided in the lower section, the user can preferably have access to the entire product. For certain configurations, it may not be necessary to have the entire recess open and accessible. For example, where the bottom section is used to contain an applicator, opening an amount sufficient to allow the applicator to be retrieved need not require complete opening or complete exposure of the recess. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross sectional views of portions of the center section  20  and base portion  10 , respectively and a connection device that provides a secure connection between sections and allows for rotation of sections with respect to each other. By way of example, the center section  20  can include a pin receiving portion  25 . The pin receiving portion  25  is formed as generally a tubular section for receiving the pin  40 . It should be appreciated that the opening or recess of the pin receiving portion  25  can be any shape or size as long as it is able to receive the pin  40  of similar size and shape. The receiving portion  25  can include flange portions formed at one end that can contact edges formed in the aperture  7 . 
     When the base  10  and center section  20  are secured together, the pin receiving portion  25  of the center section  20  is engaged with the aperture  7  formed in the base  10 . For example, the receiving portion  25  is slid into the aperture  7  and then the pin  40  is inserted into the receiving portion  25 . When the pin  40  is inserted into the pin receiving portion  25 , the pin  40  forces walls of the receiving portion  25  to expand outwardly. By expanding the receiving portion  25  in this way, a controlled resistance is created due to the contact between the wall of the receiving portion  25  and the inner wall of the aperture  7 . Further, since the pin  40  is inserted therein, walls of the receiving portion  25  are prevented from collapsing inwardly and a secure connection between the base  10  and center section  20  is created. A further example of the invention provides a receiving portion  25  that is formed as a solid one-piece device that can be inserted into the aperture  7 . In accordance with the examples discussed above, a pivot axis  3  is therefore formed between the base section  10  and center section  20  that allows the two sections to rotate with respect to each other. As discussed previously, any number of pivotable sections can be formed on top of one another. Therefore, a connection device similar to the one discussed above can be formed in any number of adjacent sections to allow for pivoting movement between the sections. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the various features of the connection device are small enough to be contained within the confines of the side walls of the base  10  and center section  20 . Securing adjacent sections together with such a connection device allows the base  10  and center section  20  to pivot with respect to each other as discussed and shown in  FIG. 2 . In this way, design, aesthetic and/or other considerations can be taken into account that are desirable to the user. 
     By way of example, one or more sections of the compact device can include a projection that is received in a groove formed in another section to provide a secure and controlled swiveling of the sections with respect to each other. The projection and corresponding groove are configured such that mechanical resistance developed by the projection within the groove changes when the projection is moved from a first end to a second end of the groove. In this way, resistance generated between the projection and the groove alters the feeling to the user during opening and closing. As such, the projection sliding in the groove can provide a secure non-loose feeling to the user during opening and closing of the pivoting sections. 
     As an example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A, and  4 B a projection  12  can be formed on the base  10  with a projection receiving portion  16  formed on the center section  20 . For example, the projection receiving portion  16  can be in the form of a groove located on a bottom surface of the center section  20 . When the base  10  and center section  20  are pivoted with respect to each other about the pin  40 , the projection  12  is configured to slide within the groove  16 . It should be appreciated that the groove  16  can be any depth or shape to allow the groove  16  to receive the projection  12  formed on the swivel base  10 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the groove  16  can be curved to be in the shape of, for example, a semicircle or arc that allows for example a 180 degree rotation of the center section  20  with respect to the base  10 . 
     As an example, when the base  10  and center section  20  are closed as shown in  FIG. 1 , the projection  12  will be located at one end of the semicircular groove  16  shown in  FIG. 4A . When the base  10  and center section  20  are rotated open, the projection  12  slides in the groove  16  during rotation and will end up at the other end of the semicircular groove  16  when the base  10  and center section  20  are at complete rotation, as shown in  FIG. 2 . As such, the center section  20  rotationally slides horizontally relative to base  10  with a suitable resistance feel. 
     Also by way of example, as best shown in the inverted view of  FIG. 4B , the groove  16  can be formed to have a depth that changes along any amount of the length of the groove  16 , for example in a ramp-like or tapered fashion, to vary the resistance felt by the user when opening the compact device. It should be appreciated that the width of the groove  16  can change along the length of the groove, for example by narrowing, in a similar manner as described with respect to the depth. For example, the depth and/or width of the groove  16  can be larger at the area where the projection  12  is located when the base  10  and center section  20  are closed. At this position, it should be appreciated that the projection  12  may or may not have contact with side walls and/or a bottom portion of the groove  16 . As the sections are pivoted, the depth and/or width can decrease along the length of the groove  16  until the end of the groove  16 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the bottom surface  21  of the groove  16  is formed in a ramp-like fashion to change the depth of the groove  16 . When the sections are completely rotated, the projection  12  is at the end of the groove  16  and the base  10  and center section  16  are at their largest rotation with respect to each other. In this example as the base  10  and center section  20  are rotated open, the depth and/or width is made smaller to increase the resistance between the projection  12  and groove  16  as the projection  12  moves from its starting position to its ending position. Accordingly, the resistance felt by the user during opening can progressively increase during opening. 
     In an example, at the end position for the projection  12  in the groove  16 , the groove  16  is formed with an abutment to prevent the projection  12  from sliding any further and thus, the center section  20  will not rotate beyond the opening rotational limit. 
     Conversely in this example, as the user closes the compact device and the projection moves to a closed position, the increase in depth and/or width of the groove  16  and thus decreasing resistance between the projection  12  and groove  16 , will reduce the resistance felt by the user and force required to be applied by the user to close the device. Similarly, if the user stops rotation of the device while the projection  12  and groove  16  are in contact and providing resistance, then the sections or housing being rotated will not continue rotating with respect to each other due to forces such as gravity, and the sections can remain in their current positions. 
     According to this example, the changing of the depth of the groove  16  will provide a secure and controlled swiveling of the sections with respect to each other. Further, the projection sliding in the groove can provide a secure non-loose feeling to the user during opening and closing of the compact device. It is to be understood that a secure, non-loose feel can also be provided by resistance between the projection and groove with a constant or substantially constant depth and width groove along any length of the groove, while the provision of a varying depth and/or width groove along any length of the groove provides a further improvement. It is also to be understood that, while the groove is illustrated as provided on the center section and the projection on the base, their positions can be reversed. Similarly, the positions of the projection  25  and recess  7  could also be reversed. 
     As a further example, the groove  16  can be formed in only a portion of the bottom area of the center section  20 . For example, the groove  16  can be formed to have a depth and/or width to receive the projection  12  when the base  10  and center section  20  are in the closed position. As the base  10  and center section  20  are rotated open, the depth and/or width of the groove  16  can decrease until a groove is no longer formed in the bottom surface of the center section  20 . At this time, as the user continues rotating the base  10  and center section  20  with respect to each other, the projection  12  will slidingly engage the bottom surface of the center section  20  outside of the grooved area. That is, in this example, once the projection  12  has exited the groove  16 , the amount of contact between the projection  12  and bottom surface will remain substantially constant due to the constant depth of the bottom surface and therefore a substantially constant resistance will be felt by the user. 
     As a further example, the position of the groove  16  with respect to a location of the pin  40  and thus, pivot axis  3 , can be changed in order to vary the resistance between the projection  12  and a surface of the groove  16 . That is, a distance between the pin  40  and a side wall of the groove  16  closest to the pin  40 , can increase along the length of the groove  16 , for example from the right end of the groove  16  to the left end as viewed in  FIG. 4A . Accordingly, as the projection  12  moves in the groove  16  from a position when the sections are in the closed position to a position when the sections are in the opened position, the contact between the projection  12  and the inner side wall of the groove  16  will increase and therefore the resistance felt by the user will increase. It should be appreciated that the projection  12  could contact the side wall of the groove  16  located further from the pivot pin  40  to vary the resistance felt by the user. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  4 A, the groove  16  is formed at a location apart from the pin receiving portion  25 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the projection  12  is positioned away from the location of the pin  40  and aperture  7  so as to match the position of the groove  16 . Therefore, according to examples of the invention, the groove  16  and projection  12  are located apart from the features of the pivoting mechanism and thus, are not formed as one unit. Accordingly, this allows the thickness of the side walls of the base  10  and center section  20  in at least the area of the pivot pin  40 , to be made smaller. Having a smaller side wall thickness allows for a larger interior hollow portion of the pivoting sections which will allow more product to be stored, a larger mirror to be provided, a larger cosmetic pad to be provided, and the like. 
     It should be appreciated that the thickness of the side walls could vary around the circumference of the compact device. For example, one or more embodiments could provide the smaller wall thickness in the area of the pivoting mechanism with the area of the walls around the remainder of the section to be of a different thickness depending on design and aesthetic considerations. The area having the thinner thickness can be made of the same, similar, or different material than the remaining portion of the side walls. It should be appreciated that an example of the invention could provide the thinner side wall area in areas other than around the pivoting mechanism to allow flexible design considering consumer desires, feels and gripping considerations. Additionally, providing a thinner side wall area around one or more portions of the base  10 , center section  20 , and/or cover  30  allows for compensation for tolerance variations that can arise due to production molds and various other factors and can help maintain contact between the surfaces in the opened or closed positions. 
     According to an example shown in  FIG. 4A , an indentation  27  or similar type structure can be formed in the bottom surface of the center section  20  to prevent the projection  12  from sliding any further and thus, the center section  20  will not rotate beyond the opening rotational limit. For example, when the base  10  and center section  20  are pivoted in a right to left direction as viewed in  FIG. 4A  to full rotation, the projection  12  will slide from its contact with the bottom surface, which has created resistance to the user, to sliding into the indentation  27 , which is a position of reduced resistance. Accordingly, the base  10  and center section  20  will be in a locked position with respect to each other and the compact device will be securely set in the opened position. Further, the user will be able to feel when the device is in the open position because of the change in resistance felt by contact between the projection  12  and bottom surface compared to the projection  12  sliding into the indentation  27 . For example, the indentation  27  can be a substantially circular area. It should be appreciated that the indentation  27  can be any desirable shape and can be formed at the beginning area of the groove  16  in addition to or instead of at an end portion of the groove  16 . Further for example, the indentation  27  can be formed as an area larger or smaller than the portion of the groove  16  adjacent the indentation  27 , which will allow the projection  12  to slide therein and allow the user to feel the change in resistance. 
     As a further example, bumps  28  can be provided on one or more side walls and/or on a bottom surface of the groove  16 . The bumps  28  can be provided at a location before the end portion of the groove  16 , for example, at a location just before the indentation  27 . Having bumps  28  in this location will generate an audible click when the projection  12  is moved past the bumps  28  and into the indentation  27  to alert the user that the compact device has been secured in an opened position. Similarly, the bumps can be provided on side and/or bottom surfaces near the beginning portion of the groove  16 , for example, near the right side of the groove shown in  FIG. 4A , to generate a noise to indicate to the user that the compact device is in the closed position. It should be appreciated that the bumps can have any desirable shape or size. 
     As discussed above, the abutment and indentation  27  can provide for a secure stopping position of the base  10  with respect to the center section  20 . At this position, there is minimal overlap between the base  10  and center section  20  and these sections are in a position substantially adjacent to each other. In this way at the opening rotational limit, the stored cosmetic and/or other material can easily be removed and for example, the mirror  9  can be optimally utilized by the consumer without interference with other parts of the compact device. 
     According to an example shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a securing device  42  can be formed on an inside of a side surface of the center section  20 . It should be appreciated that the securing device  42  can be formed on an outside side surface or in the side wall of the center section  20 . Similarly, one or more ridges  44  can be provided on the base  10  that are configured to engage the securing device  42  of the center section to aid in securing the compact device in the closed position. A flange  43  of the side wall of the center section  20  is formed to substantially mate with a cut-out area  47  formed in the base section  10 . As an example, the flange  43  can be formed to extend the length of the base section  10 , for example, to extend to a position substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of the base section  10 . In this example, the cut-out area  47  would be formed to dimensions to match the size of the flange  43 . Accordingly, as the section  20  is rotated to the open position and the compact device is placed on a supporting surface, the flange  43  would be of sufficient size to extend down to the supporting surface and support the device in the open position. 
     According to an example, when the center section  20  is rotated to a closed position with respect to base  10 , the securing device  42  will engage the ridges  44 , and the flange  43  will mate with the cut-out area  47  to thereby secure the sections together and also prevent any further rotation of the two sections with respect to each other. Additionally, the engagement between the securing device  42  and ridges  44  can generate an audible noise to alert the user that the compact device has been secured together. It should be appreciated that the ridges  44  and protrusion  42  can have any desirable shape or size and the connection device between the center section  20  and base section  10  can be in the form of a clasp or snap or similar structure in order to facilitate the connection there between. Accordingly, when the base  10  and center section  20  are closed with respect to each other, the user will have to provide enough force to sufficiently engage the securing device  42  and ridges  44  to close the device. 
     An example further provides a base groove  45  formed in the base section  10  to allow a user to place part of the hand or fingers thereon. A user can apply a force to the base groove  45  while opening the compact device. Additionally, side wall protrusions  46  can be provided on the side wall of the center section  20  to further aid the user in gripping the device when opening. Therefore, when opening the device, the user can place one or more fingers in the base groove  45  and one or more fingers along the side wall protrusions  46  and apply a force in substantially opposite directions to overcome the contact provided between the securing device  42  and the ridges  44  in order to open the device. Accordingly, the compact device will not rotate in the opening direction by merely touching either of the base  10  or center section  20 , and the cosmetic materials can be safely stored in the compact device. Further, the user can feel the closing rotational limit and the opening rotational limit of sections so that a stable and favorable feel of use can be obtained. 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment with the base section  10  and center section  20  closed with respect to each other and the cover  30  closed. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the connection between the base  10  and center section  20  by way of the pin  40  is formed completely within the side walls of the two sections. The pivot axis between the cover  30  and center section  20  is shown similar to the pivot axis shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, it should be appreciated that the pivot axis could be formed to be flush with the side surface of the cover  30  and center section  20  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.