Abstract:
A cosmetic wallet compact comprising a housing having a first casing, a second casing and attachment means, such as hook and loop fastener strips, to attach the cosmetic wallet compact to a handheld device. First casing is adapted and sized to hold and retain credit card(s), identification card(s) and folded bill(s) in an interior cavity. First casing incorporates a receiving slot and a window through which its contents may be seen and physically manipulated. At the window, a retaining press is provided which keeps cards in place and from unintentionally exiting the receiving slot after being inserted. An ejection guide aperture is further provided to selectively guide contents out of the receiving slot. Second casing has an interior which defines a palette of color cosmetics and a mirror panel.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application, Application Ser. No. 62/350,163, filed on Jun. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present application relates generally to the field of portable containers. More specifically, the invention involves an improved cosmetic compact that selectively attaches and separates from a smartphone. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic wallet compact that accommodates credit cards, identification cards and cosmetics for effective and easy access by users. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    As individuals endeavor to be become more mobile, many devices have been created to support these efforts. Over the years, several compartmentalized accessories have been created, which aim to combine a compact carrying case with a smartphone or other handheld mobile device. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,852 discloses a compartmentalized protective case which houses a portable electronic device and personal care items, such as cosmetics and health care products. The device also includes a second compartment with a restraining system to hold identification cards, currency, bank cards, and/or keys. Other references, such as U.S. Published Application 201100777061, KR20090014092 and WO2014059301, likewise describe the union of handheld devices with protective cases and compacts that retain cosmetics, credit cards, business cards and other items. 
         [0004]    Notwithstanding the proposed benefits of these and other accessories aimed at promoting mobility by reducing or eliminating the need for larger carrying instruments (e.g., pocketbook, handbag, purse, backpack, briefcase, wallet etc.), these devices are often awkward, clunky and unwieldly, often defeating the purpose of utilizing them in the first instance. In addition, the combined thickness or height of these devices with those of the handheld device to which they are attached, often render the combined unit extremely difficult to carry in a pocket or handle manually. Moreover, based on their design, it is often difficult to remove credit cards, identification cards, and other contents from prior art protective cases and compacts without struggle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic wallet compact that selectively attaches to and detaches from the back surface of a handheld device, such as a smartphone. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic wallet compact with a first casing into which a user may easily insert and retain credit cards, identification cards and cash, and a second casing to accommodate color cosmetics and a mirror panel. 
         [0007]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic wallet compact with a dual function window that defines a retaining press and an ejection aperture through which a user may selectively guide credit cards, identification cards and similar items. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic wallet compact with curved contours that help avoid separation of the compact from the handheld device to which it is attached when tucked into a pocket. 
         [0009]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic wallet compact that comes pre-filled with an assortment of makeup products. 
         [0010]    Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows. 
         [0011]    In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a cosmetic wallet compact comprising a housing that is adapted to be attached to the back surface of a handheld device using mating strips of hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro). The housing comprises a first casing adapted and sized to hold and retain cards (e.g., credit cards, identification cards, business cards) and folded paper bills, and a second casing with cosmetics and a mirror panel. The first casing has an interior cavity and incorporates a receiving slot and a dual function window through which contents of the first casing may be seen and physically manipulated by a user. The window defines a retaining press which keeps cards and folded bills in place and from unintentionally exiting the receiving slot after being inserted. The window also defines an ejection guide aperture large enough to accommodate a finger of a user through which the user may selectively guide the contents from the first casing out of the receiving slot when needed. The second casing has an interior which incorporates a palette of color cosmetics and a mirror panel, preferably comprising a mirrored surface. In a preferred embodiment, the second casing shares a wall with the first casing and the two casings are hingedly attached to one another and fastened closed via a conventional snap or clip fastener. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts a first embodiment of the cosmetic wallet compact of the present invention in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts the cosmetic wallet compact attached to the back surface of a handheld device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view of the cosmetic wallet compact in a closed position attached to the back surface of a handheld device; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the cosmetic wallet compact in a closed position attached to the back surface of a handheld device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the cosmetic wallet compact in a closed position, without strips of hook and loop fasteners on the surface thereof; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts the cosmetic wallet compact aligned to attach to the back surface of a handheld device via a hook and look fastener strips; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts the mirror and palette of the interior of the cosmetic wallet compact of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    With reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of the cosmetic wallet compact  10  of the present invention. The cosmetic wallet compact  10  comprises a card casing or first casing  12  having an interior cavity. At the forward end  14  of the compact  10  is a receiving slot  16  through which cards, such as credit cards, identification cards, business cards and the like, are inserted into the interior of the first casing  12 . For example, when a credit card C 1  is inserted into an empty first casing  12 , it passes through the receiving slot  16  into the interior of the first casing  12 . As credit card C 1  is completely inserted into the interior of the first casing  12 , it becomes visible through a dual function window  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0021]    Window  18  defines a retaining press  20  that is resilient and biased against the surface of credit card C 1 , when inserted. Retaining press  20  is formed as a cutout from the top surface  23  of the first casing  12  and slopes downward into the interior of the first casing  12  so that it is not flush with top surface  23 . As such, retaining press  20  comprises a thickness dimension that tapers as retaining press  20  extends from its source, where the cutout from the top surface  23  commences, towards the head or tip thereof. As additional cards, such as identification card C 2 , are inserted into the interior of the first casing  12 , retaining press  20  gently flexes, but maintains sufficient force against the surface of card C 1  exposed through the window to prevent card C 1 , as well as the other cards or bills below, from unintentionally slipping out of receiving slot  16 . When first casing  12  is empty, as is shown in  FIG. 4 , retaining press  20  preferably does not contact or apply any downward pressure or force against the floor  22  of the interior of the first casing  12 . However, it should be appreciated and understood that the retaining press can be modified and constructed so that it makes contact with floor  22  of the interior of the first casing  12  to apply pressure or force against the floor  22  of the interior of the first casing  12 , if desired. 
         [0022]    Window  18  further defines an ejection guide aperture  24  that is sized and adapted to accommodate a finger of a user. Through the ejection guide aperture  24 , a user may selectively guide and push card C 1  from the first casing  12  by gently directing a card forward through and out of receiving slot  16 . Ejection guide aperture  24  preferably takes on a triangular or trapezoidal configuration incorporated into the top surface  23  of first casing  12 . However, it should be appreciated and understood that other sizes and shapes may be utilized instead while keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, although receiving slot  16  is shown at the forward end  14  of the cosmetic wallet compact  10 , it should be appreciated and understood that a receiving slot may be placed at the rear end  15  of the cosmetic wallet compact  10  in addition to, or instead of, receiving slot  16 . 
         [0023]    First casing  12 , and more specifically the interior cavity thereof, is adapted and sized to accommodate a plurality of cards. In a most preferred embodiment, first casing  12  of the cosmetic wallet compact  10  is adapted and sized to accommodate a combination of at least two to four credit card(s), identification card(s), and one or more folded paper bills. Thus, since the dimensions of a standard credit card are 3.370 inches in length by 2.125 inches in width by 0.0300 inches in height (or thickness), the interior of the first casing should be sized to accommodate at least two to four of such cards. It should also be appreciated that if additional space is needed, the interior cavity can be made larger by increasing the thickness or height of the lid as desired. It should also be appreciated that alternate embodiments can be created to accommodate other small personal effects such as mints, toothpicks, medication, condoms, key(s) etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Likewise, an alternate preferred embodiment of the cosmetic wallet compact may come with these (i.e., mints, toothpicks, condoms, floss) and other daily items. 
         [0024]    Cosmetic wallet compact  10  further comprises an interior cosmetic casing or second casing  26  having an interior cavity as shown in  FIG. 7 . In a most preferred embodiment, the palette  32  comes pre-filled with an array of colored makeup (e.g., eye shadow, blush, foundation, concealer bronzer, lip gloss etc.) and applicator(s), relieving a user of filling the palette  32 . The interior of second casing  26  is defined, in part, by a base  28  that rests against and is fastened to a handheld device, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The interior of the second casing  26  is further defined by the first casing  12 , which serves as a lid or cover  30  for the palette of color cosmetics  32 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In a preferred embodiment four small wells are provided in a two by two configuration, adjacent to two larger wells and a brush well. It should be appreciated and understood that other configurations are available, as desired. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the profile of the cosmetic wallet compact  10  is designed to add minimal bulk to the thickness of a handheld device to which it is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the length dimension of the compact  10  is approximately 96.8 mm; the width dimension is 58.0 mm and the thickness or height dimension is 10.5 mm. Preferably, the mirrored surface applied interior of the second casing is 80.0 mm by 40.0 mm. 
         [0026]    Significantly, the profile of the wallet compact  10  incorporates smooth curved surfaces  40 ,  42  at the forward end  14  and at rear end  15  of wallet compact  10 . In addition to providing aesthetic appeal, these smooth curved surfaces  40 ,  42  enable a user to easily slide the compact  10  and handheld device into a pocket without inadvertently separating the compact  10  from the handheld device. Notably, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 3  curved surfaces  40 ,  42  form a continuous contour from the top surface  23  until the bottom surface  25  of base  28 . In an alternate embodiment, sharper contours or slopes may be provided (e.g., 25 to 50 degrees) if desired to further assist in the process of tucking the compact into a pocket while attached to a handheld device. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , cosmetic wallet compact  10  is fastened to a smartphone or other handheld device via strips of mating hook and loop fasteners  31 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , or other fixation means. Fixation means provides the ability to selectively attach and remove cosmetic wallet compact  10  from a smartphone or other handheld device. It should be appreciated and understood that a user may secure cosmetic wallet compact  10  to a protective skin or case covering the handheld device (instead of directly to the back of the handheld device) while still keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated and understood that a user may carry cosmetic wallet compact  10  separately from a handheld device. Moreover, it should also be appreciated and understood that a user may attach cosmetic wallet compact  10  to other devices, such as tablets or laptops or other technological implements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0028]    In a preferred embodiment, a single set of mating strips of hook and loop fasteners, measuring approximately 60 mm×19 mm, and positioned in the center of cosmetic wallet compact  10  is sufficient. In an alternate preferred embodiment, two sets of mating strips of hook and loop fasteners are positioned at the forward end  14  and rear end  15 , at the bottom surface  25  of base  28  and transverse to ledge cutouts  36 ,  36  and hinge  35 . In this configuration, additional total surface area is provided to provide a better connection between the base  28  and handheld device. 
         [0029]    In other alternate preferred embodiments, microsuction tape or strong hold adhesive tape, such as those marketed by  3 M, may be utilized to secure the base of improved compact to a smartphone. Yet another alternative fixation means comprises a magnet that is placed on the base of the device which enables the entire improved compact to “stick” to a set of corresponding magnets that are attached by a user to a smartphone. 
         [0030]    Base  28  and cover  30  are hingedly attached to one another, as at hinge  35 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , and fastened closed via a conventional snap latch or clip fastener  34  as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . It should be appreciated and understood that a snap latch or clip fastener may be provided at other sides of the cosmetic wallet compact to hold the cover or lid in place and prevent it from swinging open. It should also be appreciated and understood that other means to attach the cover to the base which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used in place of a conventional hinge and latch. For example, a snap fastener or a hook and loop fastener may be utilized in place of a latch shown in the drawings. 
         [0031]    To assist in the opening of cover  30  to access palette  32 , two ledge cutouts  36 ,  36  are provided on either side of fastener  34  which a user may hold and anchor to help separate and pivot cover  30  open and away from base  28 . Base  28  is further recessed forming a gap  38  between ledge cutouts  36 ,  36 , further assisting in the opening of cover  30 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , on the opposite side of cover  30 , in the interior cavity of the second casing  26  is mirror panel  33 . In a preferred embodiment, mirror panel  33  comprises a paper-thin mirrored surface, such as a mirrored foil, which is preferably utilized to reduce the overall thickness and weight of cosmetic wallet compact  10 . The mirrored surface panel  33  is applied to the interior of the cover  30  with adhesive. It should be appreciated and understood that actual mirrored glass may be utilized instead of mirrored foil. With this configuration of cosmetic wallet compact  10 , the second casing  26  shares a wall with the first casing  12 . Specifically, the wall backing the mirrored surface panel  33  forms floor  22  in the interior cavity of the first casing  12 . 
         [0033]    In an alternate embodiment, the cosmetic wallet compact incorporates a selectively removable cosmetic tray, instead of the permanent tray depictured in  FIG. 7 . In either configuration, removable or non-removable, a plurality of small makeup wells, a one or more large wells and an elongated brush well with cosmetic brush are provided to apply makeup. Alternate configurations with only small makeup wells (e.g. with 6-10 wells) and a brush are available as well. In alternate configurations having a removable tray, the tray is placed in a receptacle cavity in the base of the improved compact. In such an alternate preferred embodiment, the cosmetic tray is disposable and intended to be replaceable by other trays, as desired. Optionally, the cosmetic tray can be filled and refilled by a user with her own desired cosmetics. Alternatively, the cosmetic tray can be constructed in pre-filled configurations and placed into the wallet compact. 
         [0034]    The accompanying drawings only illustrate a preferred embodiments of a cosmetic wallet compact. However, other types and configurations are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be noted that the terms “first,” “preceding,” “second,” “subsequent” and similar terms may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated. Indeed, it should be appreciated, for example, that the terms “first” and “second” may be interchangeable such that the items to which they refer incorporate features of the other, where appropriate.