Patent Abstract:
A cosmetic compact providing a molded plastic base, a first cover and combined second cover and grip handle, all disposed over the base. The first cover is hinged to the base. The combined second cover and grip handle are selectively removable from the base, and carry an applicator device which when stored, is disposed between the first cover and base. The arrangement enables the user to quickly open the first cover and immediately remove and manipulate the combined second cover and grip handle, and attached applicator device, for application of cosmetic to the face or body. An especially neat, compact construction thereby is realized.

Full Description:
NO CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Research and development of the present invention and application have not been Federally-sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to cosmetic compacts, and more particularly to small, molded plastic units which can be readily carried in a pocketbook or purse. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97-1.99 
         [0005]    The following references are hereinbelow listed as being considered a representative sampling of prior art in the field to which the present invention pertains: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. Nos.: 1,689,359
       1,908,132   2,104,104   2,796,070   3,586,010   4,726,387   6,073,634   7,163,016       
 
         [0014]    U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 293,837 
         [0015]    U.S. patent applications
       Publications Nos.: 2006/0169298   2006/0219256       
 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,634 discloses several forms of mascara applicators.  FIG. 7  of the patent shows one construction employing a cosmetic-carrying base, a hingedly connected lid and attached mirror on the base, and an applicator handle carrying at one end, a series of brushes or bristles. The arrangement is such that the handle and bristles can be housed in one compartment of the base, and the cosmetic substance per se, carried in a separate compartment in the base. The hinged lid and mirror can be folded down over the separate compartment and thus cover the bristles of the handle. The latter projects from the end of the base, in the manner of  FIG. 5A  of the patent. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,387 illustrates a somewhat similar arrangement, showing a compact with a one-piece base and cover. The base of the compact has a compartment for product, and a handle that carries a brush, the latter in turn fitting into another compartment of the base, and wherein the handle closes off the end of the base when the compact is closed. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,104,104 and 3,586,010 both relate to drawer-type compacts, each having an interior compartment for product, and mirror members that are automatically arranged to pop open when the cover of the compact is slid to one side by a pre-determined extent. U.S. Pat. No. &#39;104 utilizes dual compartments for the cosmetic substance or substances being supplied. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,908,132 discloses a cosmetic compact utilizing a base member having a hinged cover and mirror combination, and a slidable cover. As noted on page 2, lines 26 on, part of the hinged cover fits beneath part of the slidable cover in order that the slidable cover can be retained by the hinged cover when the compact is closed, as in storage. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,689,359 relates to a cosmetic compact which provides dual compartments, presumably to accommodate different cosmetic substances, and a drawer-type mechanism which provides access to one compartment and at the same time enables a mirror component to be placed in an open position from which it can be viewed in the usual manner. 
         [0023]    Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0169298 relates to several arrangements of make-up kits. Multiple product storage compartments are provided in an elongate base, and the kits have an elongate applicator stick containing a tip or applicator element. The latter is receivable in an elongate opening of the base when the applicator stick is placed on top of the base. In the  FIG. 4  arrangement, the tip overlies a compartment ( 133 ) containing one of the products being used. 
         [0024]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,016 shows a number of cosmetic dispenser forms having somewhat diverse specific characteristics. In the form illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  there is provided an elongate casing having a pair of inner compartments, one being for holding a quantity of product, and a second being adapted for receiving the applicator end of an applicator stick. The compartments are sealingly separated from one another, to circumvent inadvertent dry-out of either the product or the applicator tip. 
         [0025]    U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0219256 illustrates still another drawer-type compact with a base having multiple cup-like compartments for storage of product, and having a hinged lid which closes over the compartments during storage. A pop-up tray carried in the base is provided with multiple slots of differing widths, to respectively accommodate different sized applicator brushes, in the manner of  FIG. 3  of the application. 
         [0026]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,796,070 describes a vanity kit utilizing a housing or carrier member, and an applicator/holder provided with bristles and adapted for use as a brush, and further having an opening in its end, for holding a lipstick. The back of the applicator/holder is grooved, and arranged to hold captive a self-contained cosmetic compact housing or casing, in toto. 
         [0027]    Finally, U. S. Design Pat. No. D 293,837 illustrates a substantially rectangular cosmetic compact of the pull-out drawer type, and having an inner mirror that comes into view when the compact is opened by the user. 
         [0028]    It is considered that large scale commercialization of the devices noted above has not occurred. Undue complexity may have been a concern. Alternately, promotional considerations may have prevented the disclosed arrangements from being made and sold in quantity. 
         [0029]    It is further noted that some of the devices discussed above did not relate directly to cosmetic applications. Accordingly, the relatively high demand today, for treatments to the face, hands, and body, has resulted in the need for large-scale, inexpensive yet reliable methods and fixtures for storing and dispensing health-care and/or beauty-care products. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The above shortcomings of prior cosmetic and like dispensers are largely overcome by the present invention, which has for an object the provision of a novel and improved cosmetic compact which is especially simple in its structure, and which provides especially rapid access to cosmetic material contained therein. 
         [0031]    A related object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic compact as above characterized, that can be readily stored in a pocketbook or purse, and thereafter readied for use by the consumer, with a minimum of effort. 
         [0032]    A further object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic compact of the type noted above, wherein there are virtually eliminated problems with spillage of product, thus making use of the compact especially neat and tidy. 
         [0033]    Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic compact of the kind indicated, which can be readily molded in simple mold cavities, and assembled with a minimum of time and with no special equipment being required. 
         [0034]    The objects are accomplished, in a main embodiment, by a cosmetic compact comprising a unique combination of a molded plastic base, a first cover, and a combined second cover and grip handle, all disposed over the base. The base has an upwardly facing compartment for storing a quantity of cosmetic product. The base further has a hinged end and a free end disposed opposite to the hinged end. There are hinge means connecting the first cover to the hinged end of the base, to enable the first cover to be manually swung between a closed position overlying the hinged end of the base and an open position exposing the hinged end of the base. There are further provided cooperable means on the combined second cover and grip handle and also on the base, for releasably securing the combined second cover and grip handle to the base. This combined second cover and grip handle, when secured to the base, overlies the compartment and forms an abutting-type fit therewith so as to minimize inadvertent drying out of the cosmetic product stored therein. Also provided is an applicator device carried by the combined second cover and grip handle. The combined second cover and grip handle position the applicator device at a location which is disposed between the first cover and the hinged end of the base at such times as the first cover is in its closed position, and the combined second cover and grip handle is secured to the base. 
         [0035]    This arrangement enables the user to quickly open the first cover and immediately remove and manipulate the combined second cover and grip handle and attached applicator device, for application of cosmetic to the face or body. 
         [0036]    Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    In the drawings, illustrating several embodiments of the invention: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the improved compact of the invention, illustrating the compact&#39;s base and its two covers in their closed positions respectively. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a view like  FIG. 1 , except with the cover that is disposed at the hinged end of the base being open. The cover is secured to the base by a living hinge. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a view like  FIG. 2 , except showing the compact as it appears when viewed from another position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 1-3 , with the cover at the hinged end of the base fully open, and showing a mirror in a compartment that lies directly beneath the cover when the latter is closed. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the compact of  FIGS. 1-4 , with both covers disposed in their closed positions respectively. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation of the compact of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is a section taken on the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is a section taken on the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a section taken on the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 1-9 , with the cover at the hinged end of the base being disposed in an open position, and showing retainer structures which cooperate with this cover and with a second cover. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  is a detail of the abutting ends of the covers, at the location shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  is a view like  FIG. 2  of a second embodiment of the invention, incorporating a pin-type hinge for the one cover. 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the compact of  FIG. 12 , showing the hinge barrel and the through-pin that secures the first cover to the base. 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the compact of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  is a section taken on the line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, wherein a snap-type hinge is utilized in place of the pin-type hinge of the previous embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is a detail of the snap-hinge structure of the compact of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  is a longitudinal section through the compact of  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing a modified second cover having a modified, fabric type applicator in place of the brush of the first and second embodiments. 
           [0057]      FIG. 20  is an exploded view of the compact of  FIG. 19 , illustrating the snap-hinge similar to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , and showing the modified applicator. 
           [0058]      FIGS. 21   a ,  21   b , and  21   c  are fragmentary sections of the snap-hinge structures of the compact of  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 22  is a longitudinal section of the compact of  FIGS. 19 and 20 , and illustrating in section, a mirror carried in a shallow recess at the bottom of the compact&#39;s base. 
           [0060]      FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 19 ,  20  and  22 , and illustrating the mirror carried thereby. 
           [0061]      FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, wherein a pin-type hinge is utilized with a mirror disposed on the underside of the first cover, and illustrating a second cover in the form of a combined second cover and grip handle, and wherein the applicator or brush lies in a plane that is laterally offset with respect to a plane in which the combined second cover and grip handle is disposed. 
           [0062]      FIG. 25  is a longitudinal section of the compact of  FIG. 24 , showing the offset of the applicator with respect to the combined second cover and grip handle. 
           [0063]      FIG. 26  is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing a cosmetic compact having a single combined cover and grip handle means, which mount an applicator device on a base. 
           [0064]      FIG. 27  is a bottom plan view of the compact of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 28   a  is a longitudinal section taken on the line  28   a - 28   a  of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 28   b  is a transverse vertical section taken on the line  28   b - 28   b  of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the components of the compact of  FIGS. 26-28 , illustrating interior details thereof. 
           [0068]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 26-29 , and illustrating the compact base and the combined cover and grip handle means disposed outside of and above the compact&#39;s base. 
           [0069]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 26-30 , and illustrating the combined cover and grip handle means assembled to the base. 
           [0070]      FIG. 32  is perspective view of the compact of  FIGS. 26-31 , showing a recess on the underside of the base, and a mirror fitted into said recess, and 
           [0071]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view like  FIG. 31 , taken from the opposite end of the compact with respect to that of  FIG. 31 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0072]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1-11  and in accordance with the present invention there is illustrated a novel and improved cosmetic compact designated generally by the numeral  10 . The compact  10  is constituted of molded plastic, and includes an elongate base  12 , a cover  14  and a combined second cover and grip handle  16 . One end  18  of the base is hereinafter referred to as a hinged end or proximal end, and the other end  20  is termed a free end or distal end of the base  12 . 
         [0073]    As can be readily seen in  FIG. 4 , the base  12  has one upwardly facing compartment  22  at its free end  20 , and this compartment contains a quantity of cosmetic substance or material  24  to be stored and used. A second compartment  26  is disposed adjacent the hinged end  18  of the base  12 , for use in storing either additional cosmetic material, or in some other embodiments, to provide a nest for an upwardly facing mirror  28 . 
         [0074]    The compartment  22  has a bottom wall  30 ,  FIG. 7 , that is common with the base  12 , and four side walls  32 ,  34 ,  36   30  and  38 , respectively connected therewith, each side wall having an upper portion or lip which is adapted for abutting and sealing engagement with the bottom surface  40  of the combined second cover and grip handle  16  noted above. 
         [0075]    By the invention, the cover  14  is hingedly secured to the hinged end  18  of the compact  10 , and can be swung between a closed position overlying part of the compact base  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 , and an open position illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , exposing the base  12 . 
         [0076]    The combined second cover and grip handle  16  is removable, and is retained in position over the cosmetic-containing compartment  22  by means of oppositely disposed, resilient plastic, upstanding flanges  42 ,  44  on the base,  FIGS. 1-4  and  9 . As noted above, the combined second cover and grip handle&#39;s bottom wall surface  40  is flat as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , which makes abutting contact with the upper part of the compartment walls  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  in these figures, to minimize any tendency for the cosmetic substance or material  24  to evaporate or otherwise dry out. 
         [0077]    By the invention, the combined second cover and grip handle  16  carries an applicator device, in the present form of the invention, being in the manner of a brush  46 . The brush or an equivalent, is later on referred to as a product-holding distributing portion or part. The arrangement is such that with the combined second cover and grip handle  16  occupying a closed position shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5  and  6 , the applicator device or brush  46  is disposed in the compartment or space  26  between the hinged end  18  of the base  12  and the first cover  14 . 
         [0078]    In a preferred construction, the cover  14  and combined second cover and grip handle  16  are sized to just overlie the base  12 . The length of the cover  14  is indicated in  FIG. 7  by the designation L 1 . The length of the combined second cover and grip handle  16  is indicated L 2 . The invention provides that the sum of L 1  and L 2  is just equal to the overall length L 3  of the base  12 , as shown. In addition and in reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 , the cover  12  and combined second cover and grip handle  16 , when in their closed positions, have abutting edge portions  48 ,  50 , which provide for an essentially continuous upper surface to the compact. Stated differently, the upper surfaces of the cover  14  and combined second cover and grip handle  16  essentially constitute continuations of one another, to provide an especially attractive, flush surface configuration  52 ,  FIG. 1 , to the uppermost parts of the compact. As a result, the arrangement provides a physically small, neat package that can be readily carried in a purse or pocketbook. 
         [0079]    Referring again to  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the combined second cover and grip handle  16  is releasably held between the flanges  42 ,  44  respectively, by suitable retainer means, shown as being in the form of a pair of oppositely disposed, resilient longitudinal ribs  54 ,  56  on the flanges  42 ,  44  respectively. The flanges  42 ,  44  and ribs  54 ,  56  are all sufficiently resilient that the removable combined second cover and grip handle  16  can be pried upwardly and by-pass the ribs, for opening the compact. The opening procedure is assisted by a lifting surface  58 ,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  7 , on the end of the combined second cover and grip handle  16 , which provides a space for the user to insert her fingernail and pry the combined second cover and grip handle  16  upwardly. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  10  and  11 , means are provided on the hinged cover  14  to selectively lock the combined second cover and grip handle  16  in its closed position on the base  12 , and thus prevent it from sliding outwardly and away from the center of the base  12 . In accomplishing this, the hinged cover  14  has at its edge, a pair of oppositely disposed flanges  60 ,  62 ,  FIGS. 2-4 , and the combined second cover and grip handle  16  has a pair of slots  64 ,  66 ,  FIG. 3 . When the removable combined second cover and grip handle  16  is in a closed position, FIGS.  1  and  5 - 9 , the hinged cover  14  can be swung downwardly so that the flanges  60 ,  62  thereof are received in the slots  64 ,  66 , respectively of the combined second cover and grip handle  16 . In addition, there are nibs  68 ,  70 ,  FIGS. 2  and  3 , on the flanges  60 ,  62  respectively, which are receivable in corresponding recesses  72 ,  74 , in the adjacent edge  50  of the combined second cover and grip handle  16 , to hold the hinged cover  14  against freely swinging upwardly. Thus, by such an arrangement there is minimized the possibility of the compact inadvertently opening during storage or handling of the compact. 
         [0081]    Further by the invention, either or both the cover or the combined second cover and grip handle can be transparent, and either or both the cover  14  and the combined second cover and grip handle  16  can have magnifying characteristics in their surfaces, to enable the user to better view the contents of the compact. 
         [0082]    Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 12-15 , wherein corresponding reference numbers have been assigned to those of the first embodiment, and with a suffix “a” applied where the structure differs somewhat. In the disclosed arrangement the modified compact  10   a  has a base designated  12   a . By the invention the cover  14   a  is swivelled on a pin-type hinge. The base&#39;s hinged or proximal end  18   a  has a pair of axially aligned holes  76 ,  78 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13 , for receiving a hinge pin  80 . The cover  14   a  has a hinge barrel  82  with a through bore  84 ,  FIG. 13 , to receive the hinge pin  80 . In addition, in the present arrangement, a mirror  86  is incorporated in a second compartment  26   a ,  FIGS. 13 ,  15  of the modified base  12   a.    
         [0083]    The combined second cover and grip handle  16  is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. The locking arrangement between the covers  14   a , and component  16  is similar to that of the first embodiment, specifically by means of the flanges  60   a ,  62   a  and the slots  66   a  (only one shown in  FIG. 13 ) in the combined second cover and handle portion  16 . The nibs are indicated by the numerals  68   a ,  70   a , and are receivable in corresponding recesses (not shown in  FIGS. 12  or  13 ) in the combined second cover and grip handle  16 . 
         [0084]    In some applications, it may be desirable to utilize a pin-type hinge in place of the living hinge  13  of the first embodiment, since the pin-type hinge construction is rugged and reliable over extended periods of use. 
         [0085]    Still another embodiment, No.  3 , of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , wherein like reference numerals have been assigned to parts corresponding to the first embodiments, and with a suffix “b” added where there exists a somewhat similar but modified structure. The compact  10   b  has a base designated  12   b , and the hinged cover is assigned  14   b . There are provided on the base  12   b  and hinged cover  14   b  a modified hinge of a snap-type. The hinge details involve the cover  14   b  having a double-ended resilient barrel  88  which is slotted, and the base  12   b  having a double-ended pin structure  90 ,  92 , which is arranged to receive the double-ended barrel  88 .  FIGS. 16-18  show the construction. In this embodiment, there is provided a mirror  94  in the compartment that is adjacent to the hinged end of the base  12   b . Also, the cover  14   b  can be completely removed from the base  12   b  if desired, as a consequence of the provision of slots in the barrel  88 . 
         [0086]    In other respects, the combined second cover and grip handle  16  and the product-holding/distributing portion or brush  46  are of a construction similar to that of the first embodiment. 
         [0087]    Yet a fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 19-23 . The compact  10   c  comprises a base  12   c , a cover  14   c , and a combined second cover and grip handle  16   c . The cover  14   c  is connected to the base  12   c  by means of a snap-type hinge comprising barrel  88   c  and double ended pin  90   c ,  92   c , as in the previous embodiment.  FIGS. 21   a - 21   c  show the details of the hinge. A modified removable combined second cover and grip handle  16   c  is provided, in which the brush has been replaced by a fabric-based product-holding/distributing extension  46   c . This fabric or fabric extension can be constituted of either natural or synthetic fibers, or of a flocked material, or of foam, latex or silicon, and it may be desirable to substitute one of these items for certain cosmetic applications. 
         [0088]    In accordance with the invention and as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the underside of the base  12   c  has an elongate, shallow recess  96  which extends substantially the full length of the base  12   c . There is disposed in the recess  96  a mirror  98 . The depth of the recess  96  is commensurate with the thickness of the mirror  98 , such that a neat, flush appearance results. Providing a mirror  98  on the outside surface of the base  12   c , as shown, assists the user in that it permits her to view her face and the distribution of her make up without opening either cover  14   c , or removing the combined second cover and grip handle  16   c  of the compact.  FIG. 23  shows the mirror  98 , which is seen to cover a large extent of the base. A lifting edge  100  is also provided, to facilitate removal of the combined second cover and grip handle  16   c.    
         [0089]    A fifth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In the present instance, the compact  10   d  includes a hinged cover  14   d  provided with a mirror  102  on its underside, which becomes visible when the cover  14   d  is initially opened. The combined second cover and grip handle  16   d  overlies the cosmetic substance  24   d  contained in the compartment  26   d , and also lies in a plane designated P 1 , and the product-holding distributing portion or fabric extension  46   d  (such as a fabric or mitt) is disposed in a second plane P 2  which is offset laterally from the plane P 1 . With such an arrangement, the brush  46   d  can fit snugly in the compartment  26   d  of the base  12   d , and the overall thickness of the compact can be reduced somewhat, as compared to the thicknesses of the devices of the prior embodiments. The juncture of the combined second cover and grip handle  16   d  and the brush  46   d  is in the form of a bent strip or bridge  104  of plastic having opposed surfaces  106 ,  108  which are generally concave in their configuration. Reference is made particularly to  FIG. 25 . As noted, the brush  46   d  thus fits beneath the hinged cover  14   d  and its contained mirror  102  when this cover  14   d  is closed. 
         [0090]    In effect, the brush  46   d  is sandwiched between the hinged cover  14   d  and the base  12   d  when the hinged cover  14   d  is disposed in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 25 . In operation, the compact of this embodiment is the same as that of the previously described embodiments. 
         [0091]    Still another embodiment, No.  6 , of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 26-33 . In accordance with the invention the improved compact is designated generally by the numeral  120 . As in the previous embodiment the compact  120  is constituted of molded plastic, and includes an elongate base  122  which is constituted of two separate molded plastic pieces,  122   a  and  122   b ,  FIG. 29 , superposed one upon the other and fixed by means of a series of projections  124 ,  FIG. 29  again, on the one piece  122   a  and cooperable abutment surfaces  126  or grooves  127  on the other  122   b  of the plastic pieces. Securement of the pieces can be by means of compatible adhesive, or alternately by means of sonic or ultrasonic welding. As in the previous embodiments, the base  122  has an upwardly facing compartment  128 ,  FIGS. 29 ,  30 , which contains a quantity of cosmetic substance or material  130  to be stored and used. The compartment  128  has a bottom wall  132 ,  FIG. 28   b , that is common with the base  122 , and four side walls  134   136 ,  138  and  140 , respectively connected therewith,  FIGS. 28   a  and  28   b , each side wall having an upper portion or lip. 
         [0092]    In contrast to the previous embodiments, the present compact has but a single combined cover and grip handle means  142  at one end, referred to as the distal end, this structure being completely removable from the base  122  as in  FIG. 30 , and being retained in position over the cosmetic substance-containing compartment  128  by means of oppositely disposed, resilient upstanding flanges  144 ,  146  on the base  122 . The bottom wall surface  148 ,  FIG. 28   a , of the combined cover and grip handle means  142  is flat, which makes abutting contact with the upper part of the compartment walls  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  140 , to thereby minimize any tendency for the cosmetic substance  130  to evaporate or otherwise dry out. 
         [0093]    By the invention, the combined cover and grip handle means  142  also mounts an applicator device  150 , shown as being in the form of a bullet-shaped fabric tip. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , this tip is removable from the remainder of the applicator device  150  to permit replacement or substitution, if this is ultimately desired. The applicator device  150  utilizes a separate adaptor fitting  152 ,  FIG. 29 , to secure it to the combined cover and grip handle means  142 . 
         [0094]    Further, there is provided a second compartment  154  defined between the base  122  and a fixed closure wall  156 . The latter has a concave-downward surface  158 ,  FIG. 28   a , which effectively enlarges the size of the compartment  154  over what would prevail were the closure wall  156  flat, and in addition a convex-upwardly outer surface  160 ,  FIG. 28   a , which is arranged to be flush with the upper surface of the combined cover and grip handle means  142  as illustrated in this figure. 
         [0095]    The arrangement is such that with the combined cover and grip handle means  142  occupying a closed position shown in  FIGS. 26-28   a ,  28   b , and  31 - 33 , the applicator device  150  is disposed in the compartment or space  154  between the base  122  and closure wall  156 . In order to facilitate withdrawal of the applicator device  150  from the compartment  154 , there is provided a ramp or sloping slide surface  162 ,  FIGS. 28   a ,  29 , between the compartment  128  and the compartment  154 . The ramp  162 , in combination with the curvature of the closure wall  156 , provides additional clearance for the applicator device. Thus, when the user initially withdraws the combined cover and grip handle means  142 , the tip  152  can easily follow a slide path up the ramp  162  and thus exit the compartment  154  without encountering any sharp edges, or other types of mechanical interference. 
         [0096]    The arrangement eliminates the likelihood of the tip  152  being inadvertently pulled off the combined cover and grip handle means  162  upon withdrawal of the same from the base  122 . 
         [0097]    Also, in a preferred construction, the closure wall  156  and the combined cover and grip handle means  142  are sized to just overlie the base  122 ,  FIG. 28   a . This gives an exterior appearance similar to that of the first embodiment described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-11 . As a result, there is provided a physically small, neat package that can be readily carried in a purse or pocketbook. 
         [0098]    Referring again to  FIGS. 28   b  and  30 , the combined cover and grip handle means  142  are releasably held between the flanges  144 ,  146 , respectively, by suitable resilient retainer means, shown as being in the form of a pair of oppositely disposed, resilient longitudinal ribs  164 ,  166  on the sides of the combined cover and grip handle means  142 , and corresponding grooves  168 ,  170  on the inner surfaces of the upstanding flanges  144 ,  146 , respectively. The flanges  144 ,  146  are sufficiently resilient that the combined cover and grip handle means  142  can be pried upwardly wherein its ribs  164 ,  166  can deform sufficiently to permit them to slide out of the respective grooves  168 ,  170 , respectively, in order to open the compact. The opening procedure is assisted by the provision of a lifting surface  172 ,  FIG. 28 , on the end of the combined cover and grip handle means  142 , which provides a space for the user to insert her fingernail and pry the combined cover and grip handle means  142  upwardly. 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIGS. 27 ,  28   a  and  32 , the underside of the base  122 , opposite to the compartments  128 ,  154 , is provided with a shallow recess  174 , and there is disposed in the recess a mirror  176  which is permanently affixed therein. The mirror&#39;s reflecting surface is arranged to direct reflected images outwardly from the base  122 , as can be readily understood. No movement of the mirror, such as pivoting, occurs in the present construction. The mirror is thus available at all times, for the user to check her appearance without opening/removing the combined cover and grip handle means  142  of the compact. 
         [0100]    From the above it can be seen that we have provided a series of novel and improved cosmetic compacts which are physically small, and yet which provide all the necessary features required of a full-service unit. In the first embodiment, by manufacturing the combined second cover and grip handle means of plastic as shown, there is achieved a double function by a single plastic component. First it closes over the free end of the cosmetic substance-containing compartment of the compact base so as to minimize inadvertent drying out of the cosmetic material. Second, it provides a gripping means for the user to hold, when transferring the cosmetic substance to the user&#39;s face. As a consequence, the amount of plastic that is required is reduced to a minimum. 
         [0101]    Additionally, the compacts of the invention are seen to be especially eye-catching, and featuring an overall unusually attractive physical appearance when viewed from the outside. 
         [0102]    The disclosed arrangements are thus seen to represent a distinct advance and improvement in the cosmetic field. 
         [0103]    Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the invention which is separate and distinct from all others, and accordingly it is intended that each claim be treated as such in any determination of novelty or validity. 
         [0104]    Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and portions of the improvement can be used without others. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0000]    
       
           10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  Compact 
           12 ,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d  Base of compact 
           13  Living hinge 
           14 ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  Hinged cover 
           16 ,  16   c ,  16   d  Combined second cover and grip handle 
           18 ,  18   a ,  18   b  Hinge end or proximal end of base 
           20 ,  20   b  Free end of base 
           22  Upwardly facing compartment 
           24 ,  24   b ,  24   c ,  24   d  Cosmetic substance 
           26 ,  26   a ,  26   d Second compartment 
           28  Mirror 
           30  Bottom wall of upwardly facing compartment 
           32  Compartment side wall 
           34  Compartment side wall 
           36  Compartment side wall 
           38  Compartment side wall 
           40  Bottom surface of the combined second cover and handle portion 
           42 ,  42   a  Upstanding flange or rail 
           44 ,  44   a  Upstanding flange or rail 
           46 ,  46   c ,  46   d  Product-holding/distributing portion, or brush 
           48  Edge portion of hinged cover 
           50  Edge portion of removable cover 
           52  Flush surface configuration 
           54  Longitudinal rib 
           56  Longitudinal rib 
           58 ,  58   b ,  58   c ,  58   d  Finger-engageable lifting surface 
           60 ,  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c ,  60   d  Flange or rail 
           62 ,  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  Flange or rail 
           64  Slot 
           66 ,  66   a ,  66   c  Slot 
           68 ,  68   a ,  68   b  Nibs 
           70 ,  70   a ,  70   b  Nibs 
           72  Recess 
           74  Recess 
           76  One of a pair of aligned holes 
           78  The other of the pair of aligned holes 
           80  Hinge pin 
           82  Barrel part 
           84  Through bore 
           86  Mirror 
           88 ,  88   c  Barrel of hinge 
           90 ,  92 ,  90   c ,  92   c  Double ended pin formation 
           94  Mirror 
           96  Recess 
           98  Mirror 
           100  Finger-engageable lifting edge 
           102  Mirror 
           104  Connecting Bridge 
           106  Concave surface of bridge 
           108  Concave surface of bridge 
           110  Hinge 
         L 1  length # 1   
         L 2  length # 2   
         L 3  length # 3   
         P 1  plane # 1   
         P 2  plane # 2   
           120  Compact 
           122  Base 
           122   a  Part of base 
           122   b  Part of base 
           124  Projections 
           126  Abutment surfaces 
           127  Grooves 
           128  Compartment 
           130  Cosmetic substance or material 
           132  Bottom wall 
           134  Side wall 
           136  Side wall 
           138  Side wall 
           140  Side wall 
           142  Combined cover and grip handle means 
           144  Flanges or rails 
           146  Flanges or rails 
           148  Bottom wall surface of combined cover and grip handle means 
           150  Applicator device 
           152  Adapter fitting 
           154  Second compartment 
           156  Closure wall 
           158  Concave surface of closure wall 
           160  Convex surface of closure wall 
           162  Ramp 
           164  Longitudinal rib 
           166  Longitudinal rib 
           168  Groove 
           170  Groove 
           172  Finger-engageable lifting surface 
           174  Recess 
           176  Mirror

Technology Classification (CPC): 0