Abstract:
A fluid container having a base with a reservoir; an applicator having a handle; and a pivot frame with a cavity arranged to mate with the handle. The fluid container may contain a pivot frame arranged to rotate 360 degrees and to cover an outer circumferential edge of the fluid container. A method of using the fluid container including detaching a pivot frame from a handle; removing an applicator from a reservoir; and using the applicator to apply a cosmetic.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid container and, more particularly, to a fluid container with a pivot frame. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cosmetic product dispensing containers are known in the art to allow for housing and dispensing of a fluid product. Most cosmetic product dispensing containers provide a reservoir for housing the product, an applicator that can be inserted and stored in the reservoir, and an outlet where the cosmetic product is dispensed. In many cases, the applicator includes a cap that can be secured to the outlet where the product is dispensed using threads such as a screw thread or a single thread such as a ridge wrapped around a cylinder. 
         [0003]    It is important in the cosmetic industry to provide a cosmetic product dispensing container for cosmetic products which not only protects the dispensing container but also secures the applicator to the reservoir when the applicator is being stored and is not in use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to various example aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid container comprising, for example, a base with a reservoir, a cap and applicator assembly, and a pivot frame. 
         [0005]    More particularly, according to various example aspects, the fluid container comprises a base having a reservoir; an applicator having a handle; and a pivot frame having a cavity arranged to mate with the handle. The pivot frame may be attached to the base, which may further comprises a coupler comprising an orifice arranged to receive the applicator. The pivot frame may be attached to the coupler. In certain aspects, the pivot frame may be attached to opposite ends of the coupler. The cavity may comprise a reflective material such as a mirror. In certain example aspects, when the pivot frame is in a position parallel to the base and the applicator is in the reservoir, the handle is arranged to mate with the cavity. The pivot frame and handle may comprise a fastener arranged to fasten the pivot frame to the handle. In other example aspects, when the pivot frame is not parallel to the base, the applicator is arranged to separate from the base. The base, coupler and applicator may be threadless. The pivot frame may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof. The base may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass and combinations thereof. The reservoir may comprise a fluid selected from a group consisting of a cosmetic, paint, glue, slurry and mixtures thereof. The fluid may be a lipstick, lip gloss, chapstick, mascara, concealer, foundation, hair dye and nail polish. 
         [0006]    According to various example aspects, the disclosure is directed to a fluid container comprising: a base comprising a plurality of reservoirs; a plurality of applicators, each of the applicators comprising a handle; and a plurality of pivot frames, each of the pivot frames comprising a cavity arranged to mate with the handle of a respective one of the applicators. Each cavity may comprise a mirror. Each of the reservoirs may be arranged to store a corresponding one of the applicators. 
         [0007]    According to example aspects, the disclosure relates to a fluid container comprising: a base comprising a reservoir; an applicator comprising a handle; and a pivot frame arranged to rotate 360 degrees and to cover an outer circumferential edge of the fluid container. 
         [0008]    In yet further example aspects, the disclosure relates to a method of using any of the fluid containers disclosed herein, the method comprising: detaching a pivot frame from a handle; removing an applicator from a reservoir; and using the applicator to apply a cosmetic. 
         [0009]    The above summary provides a basic understanding of the aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is not intended to identify all key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present one or more aspects of the disclosure in a summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows and the features described and particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description of examples presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1D  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1E  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1F  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1G  is a back view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1H  is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2C  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2D  is another left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2E  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2F  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2G  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2H  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3C  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3D  is another left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3E  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3F  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3G  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3H  is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4A  is a front view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4B  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4D  is a left side view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4E  is a perspective view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4F  is an exploded view showing various example aspects of a fluid container according to the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Example aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of fluid containers. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects will readily suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example aspects of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. The same reference indicators will be used to the extent possible throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items. 
         [0042]    Examples of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid container as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The fluid container may have a base  105  with a reservoir  110  therein as shown in  FIG. 1D . The reservoir  110  may hold a fluid, for example, a cosmetic including, but not limited to lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, concealer, facial cream and nail polish as well as other types of fluids (e.g., paint, glue, slurries, etc.). 
         [0043]    In certain example aspects, as shown in  FIG. 1H , the base  105  may have an opening  106  at one end thereof, which may be formed through a protrusion  107 . A coupler  108  (e.g., a collar) may be fitted over the protrusion  107 , the coupler  108  having an orifice  109 . The orifice  109  may be shaped to receive an applicator  101  (collectively  115 ,  120 ,  125 ,  130 ), which can be used to apply fluid from the reservoir  110  to an external surface including, but not limited to, skin, plastic, porcelain, canvas and paper as well as other types of surfaces. According to certain example aspects of the disclosure, a wiper  111  may be inserted into the orifice  109  such that the wiper  111  can remove excess fluid from at least the applicator tip  115  and/or can form a substantially uniform film (e.g., having a thickness that varies by about 1 mm or less as measured with calipers) on a surface of the applicator tip  115 . The applicator tip  115  may be attached to a rod  120  as shown in  FIG. 1H , the rod  120  being attached to a cap insert  125 . A cap  130  may be arranged within the cap insert  125  thereby forming the applicator  101 . The cap  130  and cap insert  125  together form a handle of the applicator  101 . 
         [0044]    The fluid container may also have a pivot frame  135  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The pivot frame  135  may be rotatably attached to the coupler  108  through a pair of recesses  137  and protrusions  136  such that the pair of recesses  137  in the pivot frame  135  can mate with the pair of protrusions  136  on the coupler  108  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . Alternatively, the recesses  137  may be positioned the coupler  108  and the protrusions  136  on the pivot frame  135  (not shown). Other methods and apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art for rotatably attaching the pivot frame  135  to the coupler  108  and/or reservoir  105  (e.g., hinges like mechanical or living hinges) are also possible and may be used; the examples disclosed herein are not limiting. The pivot frame  135  may further include a cavity  140  which may have therein a reflective material  145 , for example, a mirror and/or may have a powder (not shown) such as a cosmetic including, but not limited to blush, bronzer, eye shadow and other types of powders. The reflective material  145  may be secured to the cavity  140  by a variety of means including, but not limited to, tape, glue, Velcro® and silicone adhesive. 
         [0045]    According to example aspects of the disclosure, the pivot frame  135  may rotate over a range of about 90 degrees or greater as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . For example, when the pivot frame  135  is in an open position, the pivot frame  135  may be perpendicular (or close to perpendicular) to a vertical axis of the base  105  as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . When the pivot frame  135  is in a closed position, the pivot frame  135  may be parallel or in-line with the vertical axis of the base  105  as shown in FIGS.  1 A and  1 D- 1 H. 
         [0046]    In certain example aspects, when the pivot frame  135  is in the closed position, the cavity  140  may be arranged to receive and/or may be shaped to mate with the cap  130  of the applicator and cap assembly  101  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . The pivot frame  135  may be arranged such that it is substantially integral with the cap  130  and the base  105  when in the closed position as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . 
         [0047]    When the pivot frame  135  is in the open position as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the applicator  101  may be removed from the reservoir  110  and used together with the reflective material  145  to apply a fluid from the reservoir  110 . If a powder is in the cavity  140  of the pivot frame  135 , such powder may also be accessible when the pivot frame  135  is in the open position. For example, the reservoir  110  may hold one type of cosmetic (e.g., a lipstick) to be applied with the applicator  115  while the cavity  140  holds another type of cosmetic (e.g., blush or eye shadow) to be applied with a different applicator (not shown) or a different portion of the applicator (not shown). 
         [0048]    The pivot frame  135  also may include a fastener assembly of the cap  130  (not shown) that can suitably align with a latch of the pivot frame  135  to secure the pivot frame  135  to the applicator  101  when in the closed position. When the applicator  101  is positioned in the reservoir  110 , the handle  120 ,  125 ,  130  seals the reservoir  110  from the external environment. Similarly, the applicator  101  is also secured to the base  105  and coupler  108  via the pivot frame  135 . Therefore, threads such as a screw thread or a single thread such as a ridge wrapped around a cylinder are not needed to secure the cap and applicator assembly  101  to the coupler  108  and base  105 . More particularly, the base  105 , couple  108 , orifice  109  and/or the applicator  101  may be threadless. 
         [0049]    According to various example aspects, the pivot frame  135  may be constructed from a metal, ceramic, glass, and/or a plastic material including but not limited to, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polymers of cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalic acid (PCTA), polyoxymethylene, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, neoprene, santoprene, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer and combinations thereof. The material may be opaque or clear. Such material may provide protection against external forces and shock absorption to the fluid container in case the container is dropped. The base  105  similarly may be constructed from metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or any combination thereof. 
         [0050]    According to various example aspects of the disclosure, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the fluid container may include a base  205  with two reservoirs  210   a ,  210   b , two applicators  201   a ,  201   b , and two pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b . The remaining features of the fluid container shown in FIGS.  2 A- 2 H are similar to those shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H . For example, each of the applicators  201   a  and  201   b  include an applicator tip  215   a ,  215   b , a rod  220   a ,  220   b , a cap insert  225   a ,  225   b  and a cap  230   a ,  230   b , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2H . Similarly, each applicator  201   a ,  201   b  has a handle comprised of  225   a ,  230   a  and  225   b ,  230   b , respectively. In certain example aspects, there may be an inner cap (not shown) within the cap  225   a ,  230  and  225   b ,  230   b.    
         [0051]    Additionally, each of the pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  may rotate about 90 degrees or greater with respect to a vertical axis of the base  205 . In certain example aspects, each pivot frame  235   a ,  235   b  may include a reflective material  245   a ,  245   b  (e.g., a mirror) and/or a powder (e.g., a cosmetic such as blush, bronzer, eye shadow, etc.)(not shown). In certain example aspects, one of the pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  may include a reflective material  245   a ,  245   b  while the other of the pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  includes a powder (not shown). The pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  may provide protection to the top and bottom portions of the base  205 . In certain example aspects, the axes about which the pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  rotate may be positioned close together such that the two pivot frames  235   a ,  235   b  protect substantially the entire left and right edges of the base  205  as well as the top and bottom edges. 
         [0052]    In certain example aspects, the fluid container shown in  FIGS. 2A-2H  may have a cosmetic of one type and/or color in one reservoir  210   a ,  210   b  and a cosmetic of a different type and/or color in the other reservoir  210   a ,  210   b . For example, the fluid in one of the reservoirs  210   a ,  210   b  may be a matte finish lipstick of a particular color, while the fluid in the other of the reservoirs  210   a ,  210   b  may be a lip gloss that is colorless. Other combinations of fluids in reservoirs  210   a ,  210   b  include, but are not limited to, a daytime lipstick (e.g., of light or nude color) and an evening lipstick (e.g., of dark or bright color), a lipstick and a chapstick, a lipstick and a mascara, a matte lipstick and a cream lipstick, a lipstick and a lip gloss, a chapstick and a facial cream, a mascara and eyelash glue, a foundation and concealer, a liquid eye shadow and eyebrow treatment, and a paint and glue. 
         [0053]    In yet further example aspects of the disclosure, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3H  and  FIGS. 4A-4H  the pivot frame  335  may surround a circumferential edge of the base  305 , cap  330  and applicator  301  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3H  and  FIGS. 4A-4H  which can provide protection to each edge of these components. As shown in  FIGS. 3H and 4H , the applicator  301  may be comprised of the applicator tip  315 , rod  320 , cap insert  325  and cap  330 . Base  305  includes a reservoir  310  for storing a fluid. The reservoir  310  is adapted to receive a portion of the applicator  301  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3G  and  FIGS. 4A and 4G . The base  305  may have an opening  306  at an end thereof with a coupler  308  may be positioned on the end of the base  305 . As shown in  FIGS. 3H and 4H , the coupler  308  may have an orifice  309  in communication with the opening  306  of the base  305  and a wiper  311  may be inserted into the orifice  309 . Pivot frame  335  may be attached to the fluid container via a pair of protrusions  336  that are inserted into a pair of holes  337  on opposite sides of base  305 . 
         [0054]    In certain example aspects, as shown in FIGS.  4 B and  4 D- 4 F, pivot frame  335  may include a cavity  340  having therein a reflective material  345  such as a mirror and/or a cosmetic such as a blush, bronzer or eye shadow. The cavity  340  may be arranged and/or shaped to mate with the handle  330 . In other example aspects, as shown in  FIGS. 3F-3H , pivot frame  335  may not have a reflective material  345  and may be rotatable 360 degrees about the axis of the base  305 , thereby forming a gyroscope effect. 
         [0055]    One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, shape and placement of such structures may be varied depending on the particular application. Apart from the functional aspects the structures provide, they also provide a novel decorative element. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the decorative possibilities such shapes present. 
         [0056]    The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific examples. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various examples with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.