Patent Publication Number: US-2011061675-A1

Title: Custom compact cosmetic case with makeup pans and brushes

Description:
This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,537, filed Aug. 31, 2009 and entitled “Custom Compact Cosmetic Case With Makeup Pans and Brushes”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to compact cosmetic cases. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact cosmetic case with user selected makeup pans and brushes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There exist many purse size cosmetic cases, most of which are pre-filled with an assortment of eyeshadows or lipsticks. Some have a mixture of makeup for the face, cheeks and eyes in coordinated color sets. A few high end cosmetic companies offer makeup cases that allow the purchaser to choose shades of products (from lipstick to eyeshadow) to fill their proprietary case. However, none of these systems allows a purchaser to include all of her cosmetics in a small cosmetic case. Furthermore, the locations of the different cosmetic products in the cosmetic case are mostly selected by the cosmetic companies selling the cosmetic case. The end user does not have the choice of rearranging the locations of cosmetics based on their own personal preferences. 
     Thus, there is a need for a customized cosmetic case which overcomes the problems cited above by allowing each individual user to select the type and location of cosmetics in the cosmetic case while also allowing the user to include cosmetic accessories and non-cosmetic related items inside the cosmetic case. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a compact cosmetic case which holds full size makeup and applicators for complete makeup application wherein the case, makeup, applicators and accessories are sold separately for complete customization by the purchaser. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a front surface which faces up towards the lid section and a back surface which faces down towards the bottom section, wherein at least part of the front surface is comprised of a magnetic material; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one rail system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the rail system from one end of each panel; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case is disclosed. The cosmetic case comprises an external shell comprising a lid section and a bottom section; at least one hinge for connecting the lid section to the bottom section; at least a first panel being attached via at least one hinge to an edge of the bottom section, wherein the first panel can swing out to reveal an inside surface of the bottom section, wherein each panel has a hollow frame structure which has at least one slot system for securely receiving a plurality of pans which are inserted into the slot system from one end of each panel; and a plurality of fastening devices on an inside surface of the bottom section for storing cosmetic accessories. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1(   a )-( c ) illustrate several views of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an open cosmetic case with the hinged panels in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 5(   a )-( c ) illustrate several views of cosmetic pans according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates cosmetic pans with labels according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a elastic glove or pouch on the bottom of the cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of a closed cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an open cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an empty cosmetic case according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an open cosmetic case with fasteners for accessories according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a hinged panel with a rail system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates cosmetic pans being loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates cosmetic pans loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a cosmetic pan with slots according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cosmetic pan with slots loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a hinged panel with a multiple rail system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates cosmetic pans loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a hinged panel with a slot system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 25(   a )-( c ) illustrate several views of a cosmetic pan with rails according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a cosmetic pan with rails loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a hinged panel with a multiple slot system according to one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 28  illustrates cosmetic pans with rails loaded into a hinged panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic case which can be customized to include cosmetics selected by the user and include cosmetic accessories and other non-cosmetic related items will now be described. The invention describes a cosmetic case  10  that is sold “empty” so that it can be filled with makeup sold in individual pans  50 , as well as brushes and accessories designed to fit into the bottom of the case. While it may appear to be similar to other refillable cosmetic cases, it is unique in many ways. The case and contents to fill it are comprehensive, meaning almost all products that a woman carries in her cosmetic bag are included—color makeup, brushes, mascara, mirror, and pencils have been designed to fit neatly in the small footprint cosmetic case. Other cosmetic companies offer pre-packaged makeup assortments in one compact, but few offer the case with a full line of all the makeup and appliances a woman uses in a single compact. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1(   a )-( c ), the cosmetic case  10  has an external shell  12 . The external shell  12  can be constructed out of plastic, metal, etc., and can be covered by various materials, i.e., leather, animal skin, plastic, rubber, etc., as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , and the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the external shell  12  can have various sizes and shapes, i.e., rectangular, circular, etc., and the invention is not limited thereto. 
     The external shell  12  has a lid section  14  and a bottom section  16 . The lid section  14  and the bottom section  16  are connected along one edge via at least one hinge  18 . The hinge  18  can be either a mechanical hinge, for example, an external hinge or an internal hinge, or a non-mechanical hinge, for example, a living hinge, and the invention is not limited thereto. The lid section  14  and the bottom section  16  have substantially the same length and width but can have different depths. For example, the bottom section  16  can have a greater depth so as to provide more storage space for cosmetic accessories as will be explained below in more detail. The external shell can be held in a closed position wherein the lid section  14  is touching the bottom section  16  via tension in the hinge  18  and/or a clasp mechanism  20  but the invention is not limited thereto. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the cosmetic case  10  in an open position. A mirror  22  can be attached to the inside surface of the lid section  14 . The mirror  22  can be a lighted mirror with various light sources  24 . The light sources  24  can either be turned on manually via switch  26  or automatically when the cosmetic case  10  is opened and the invention is not limited thereto. The lid section  14  with the mirror on the inside can swivel using resistance hinging so that it remains open in any position, similar to the screen of a laptop computer. Additionally, the mirror may swing as much as 360° so that a woman can completely tuck it under the case if she&#39;s in front of a large mirror and chooses to apply her makeup without using the mirror provided with the case. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, two panels  28  are attached to edges of the bottom section  16  via a plurality of hinges  30 . The hinges can be either mechanical or non-mechanical hinges and the invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the panels  28  are attached to edges of the bottom section which are perpendicular to the edge containing the hinge  18  but the invention is not limited thereto. Each hinge  28  covers approximately half of the bottom section when the hinge is in a closed position. Alternatively, any number of panels  28  can be attached to the bottom section  16 . For example, a single panel which covers the entire bottom section  16  can be used instead of the illustrated two panel system. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each panel  28  has a raised edge  32  to which the hinges  30  are attached. In addition, the panel  28  has a front surface  34  and a back surface  36 . At least part and preferably almost all of the front surface  34  is covered with a magnetic material  38 . In addition, the back surface  36  can also be partially or substantially covered with the magnetic material  38  although the invention is not limited thereto. According to an alternative embodiment, the front  34  and back  36  surfaces of the panel  28  can be constructed out of metal, wherein magnets embedded in cosmetic pans will stick to the panel  28  as described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the hinged panels  28  can swing out to reveal the interior section  40  of the bottom section  16 . As noted above, the bottom section  16  has a depth that is great enough to allow for cosmetic accessories such as brushes, pencils, mascara, cotton swabs, etc., to be stored in the bottom section  16  even when the panels  28  are in a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of attachment devices  42 , for example, C-shaped clips or fasteners can be located on the inside surface of the bottom section  16  for securing the cosmetic accessories in place although the invention is not limited thereto. 
     As noted above, the cosmetic case  10  has a clasp mechanism  20  for holding the lid section and the bottom section together when the cosmetic case  10  is closed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the clasp mechanism  20  comprises an elongated prong  44  located on the lid section  14  which fits into a locking mechanism  46  in the bottom section  16 . A push button  48  releases the prong  44  from the locking mechanism  46  when depressed although the invention is not limited thereto. 
     The compact is easily held in one hand so that makeup can be applied with the other hand. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the design of the bottom of the case will allow the fully opened compact to be supported in one hand by inserting the palm into an opening  122  of some sort of glove or pouch  120 , made of any material such as cloth, leather, elastic, plastic, etc., on the exterior of the case that keeps it from falling out of the hand while pressure is being applied to the case to remove brushes or load the brush with makeup. This pouch  120  also allows a woman to tuck other small items into the exterior of the case for easy access. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, pans  50  constructed at least partially out of metal are filled with different types of cosmetics can be secured to the hinged panels  28  by the magnetic material&#39;s attraction to the metal in the pans. According to another embodiment of the invention, the pans  50  may also have a magnet incorporated into the pans, which is attracted to either the magnetic material  38  or the metal surfaces of the panel  28 . It will be understood that the metal pans  50  can be constructed out of various metals so long as the metals react to magnetic forces and the metal pans  50  can have different shapes and sizes so long as the metal pans  50  are not too large to interfere with the opening and closing of the hinged panels  28  and the opening and closing of the cosmetic case  10 .  FIGS. 5  ( a )-( c ) illustrate several views of metal pans  50  which can be used with the inventive cosmetic case  10  although the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the metal pans  50  may also have labels  52  so as to identify the cosmetic in the metal pan  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In addition, one or more of the metal pans  50  may be empty and have a cover which opens and closes. These metal pans allow a user to store various items, for example, pills, dental floss, mints, contact lens case, etc., inside the cosmetic case  10 . As noted above, the user can arrange their cosmetics in the plurality of metal pans in any combination and grouping on the magnetic surfaces of the hinged panels  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the hinged panel  28  may a moveable protective cover  60 , for example, clear plastic, attached in such a way so as to protect the cosmetics in the metal pans  50 . In addition, the bottom section  16  may have a moveable protective cover to protect cosmetic accessories stored in the bottom section  16 . For example, the moveable cover  60  can be a sheet of plastic which is attached via hinges to one end of the hinged panels  28  or the bottom section  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , or attached to a roller so that the cover  60  can be rolled in or out like a shade as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     As noted above, the inventive cosmetic case  10  may have different designs.  FIGS. 10-16  illustrate a cosmetic case  110  which has a different design from the cosmetic case  10  while maintain many of the key features of the cosmetic case  10 . For the sake of brevity like features have been given the same reference numeral and their function and operation will not be repeated. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the lid section  14  closes onto the hinged panels  28  rather than the bottom section  16 . 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the hinged panels  28  may have a different design which does not use magnetic material to hold the cosmetic pans in place. In this embodiment, all of the components of the cosmetic case  10  are the same as described above with the exception of the hinged panels. In this embodiment, the hinged panels  128  have a unique rail system  150  for holding the cosmetic pans  50  in place. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the rail system  150  in each panel  128  allows pans of any material, for example, plastic, metal, tin, etc., to be inserted into the hinged panels  128  as long as the pans dimensionally fit the width and length of the rail system  150 . The cosmetic pans  50  are inserted into the hinged panels  128  by sliding them onto the rail system  150  from one end of the hinged panel  128  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The cosmetic pans  50  are geld in place by a stop at one end of the hinged panel  128  and/or by friction. In this embodiment, a single layer of cosmetic pans  50  can be loaded into the rail system  150  or two layers of the cosmetic pans  50  can be loaded into the rail system  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . Furthermore cosmetic cases with grooves  160 , as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , which correspond to the rail system  150  can be used and loaded into the rail system  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . In addition, there can be multiple layers of rails in each panel  128  as illustrated in  FIGS. 22-23 . 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the hinged panels  128  may have a slot system  200  instead of the rail system  150 . In this embodiment, the hinged panels  128  have the slot system  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . The slot system  200  receives cosmetic pans  202  of any type material which have rails  204  which correspond to the slot system  200  as illustrated in  FIGS. 25(   a )-( c ). The cosmetic pans  202  are loaded into the hinged panels  128  from one end and are held in place via friction as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . As an alternative, the hinged panels  128  can have a multiple slot system  210  for storing a plurality of levels of cosmetic pans  202  as illustrated in  FIGS. 27-28 . 
     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.