Abstract:
A combined cosmetics package for containing cosmetic products, having a first component for containing a first cosmetic product; a second component for containing a second cosmetic product; and a connector cap that is removably attached to the first component for reclosably sealing the first component and is removably attached to the second component for releasably securing the second component to the connector cap, wherein, when the connector cap is removably attached to the first component and removably attached to the second component, the combined cosmetics package results.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to the field of packaging, specifically to the field of packaging cosmetic products, and more specifically to the field of packaging cosmetic products that allows the consumer to purchase matching or complimentary but separate cosmetics or cosmetic-related products together as one product. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cosmetics and cosmetic-related products come in a variety of packages and packaging materials. For example, lipstick may be packaged in tubes as a paste or bottles as a liquid, finger nail polish may be packaged in single color containers or multi-color containers. The packaging itself may be glass, plastic, metal or other materials, and the shapes of the packages are as varied as the cosmetics themselves. 
     For the most part, individual types of cosmetics are sold to the consumer in individual packages. A tube of lipstick, a bottle of finger nail polish, a canister of facial powder, an eyebrow pencil, a bottle of rouge, for example. There are examples of multi-component packaging for cosmetics. However, typically the multi-packs are the same type of cosmetic. Complimentary shades of eyebrow pencil, complimentary shades of eye shadow, and complimentary shades of rouge, for example. Also common are combination packages of a cosmetic product and an accessory. Facial powder combined with a powder puff and a mirror, lipstick combined with an applicator brush, and eye shadow combined with an applicator pad, for example. 
     To the best of applicants&#39; knowledge, there is not a combination package of the typed disclosed herein that allows for the mixing and matching of two separate cosmetics or cosmetic-related products to form one packaging unit. Finger nail polish and lipstick, lipstick and eye liner, or eye shadow and lipstick, for example. Such a combination cosmetic package would be advantageous both to the cosmetics manufacturer, allowing the sale of two complimentary products in one package, and to the cosmetics user, allowing the purchase and compact transport of two complimentary cosmetic products. It is to this combination cosmetic package that the present specification is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The combined cosmetics package comprises two major components that fit together to form one packaging unit. The first component, a base, is comprised of a bottle, or receptacle, with a cap. The second component, a top, is comprised of a two-part case. One end of the second component fits within a cavity in the cap of the first component. The cavity in the cap of the first component is structured to receive and hold the second component in a releasable manner so as to form the combined cosmetics package. 
     A first embodiment of the device contemplates the first component being a receptacle for fingernail polish and the second component being a lipstick case. In this first embodiment, the base of the first component is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a liquid, that being the finger nail polish, and the second component is structured to be a typical lipstick case. The cap of the first component can screw onto the base of the first component, forming a closable bottle for containing the finger nail polish. The top end of the cap of the first component comprises the cavity, which is structured to receive the second component, that being the lipstick case. 
     A second embodiment of the device contemplates the first component being a receptacle for eye shadow and the second component being a case capable of containing eye liner pencils or the like. In this second embodiment, the base of the first component is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a powder, that being the eye shadow, and the second component is structured to be a hollow case capable of containing eye liner pencils. The cap of the first component can screw onto the base of the first component, forming a closable bottle for containing the eye shadow. The top end of the cap of the first component comprises the cavity, which is structured to receive the second component, that being the eye liner pencil case. 
     A third embodiment of the device contemplates the first component being a receptacle for foundation and the second component being a case capable of containing rouge or the like. In this third embodiment, the base of the first component is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a liquid or paste, that being the foundation, and the second component is structured to be a hollow container capable of being filled with rouge. The cap of the first component can screw onto the base of the first component, forming a closable bottle for containing the foundation. The top end of the cap of the first component comprises the cavity, which is structured to receive the second component, that being the rouge container. 
     The device further can comprise a releasable locking means for holding the first component and the second component together in a secure, yet releasable, manner. For example, the cavity of the cap of the first component can comprise a raised ring about its internal perimeter and the second component can comprise a shallow indented or recessed ring about its external perimeter. The raised ring and the recessed ring cooperate with each other as a locking mechanism, with the raised ring fitting within the recessed ring when the second component is placed within the cavity of the cap of the first component. 
     Many other embodiments are contemplated and will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art. Using the general structure disclosed herein, it will become apparent that many different cosmetics or cosmetic-related products can be contained in sets of two by the present invention. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package capable of containing two cosmetic or cosmetic-related products in which each cosmetic or cosmetic-related product is contained in a separate part of the combined package, allowing the consumer to mix and match cosmetic products. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package capable of containing two cosmetic or cosmetic-related products in which each cosmetic or cosmetic-related product is contained in a separate part of the combined package, allowing the cosmetic manufacturer to provide two different and/or complimentary products to the consumer. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package that can be easily configured to contain two or more of many different types of cosmetics or cosmetic-related products. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package that comprises separable components that can be used independent of one another. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package that comprises separable components that fit securely together so as to make a unitary package. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a combined cosmetics package that is simple to use, economic to manufacture, and appealing to the consumer. 
     These objects, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the attached figures, in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional side view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional side view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of a first alternate external design configuration of the present invention. 
     FIG.  8 . Is a side view of a second alternate external design configuration of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first preferred embodiment of the combined cosmetics package  10  is shown in FIG.  1 . The package  10  in general comprises a first component  12 , a second component  14  and a connector cap  16 . Second component  14  further comprises two parts, a first end  14   a  which typically is fitted and a second end  14   b  which typically is not fitted. When first component  12 , second component  14  and cap  16  are fitted together, the combined cosmetics package  10  is formed. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the package  10  is shown in more detail. The combined cosmetics package  10  comprises two major components that fit together to form one packaging unit. The first component  12 , a base, is comprised of a bottle, or receptacle, with a cap  16 . The second component  14 , a top, is comprised of a two-part case  14   a ,  14   b . One end of the second component  14  fits within a cavity  18  in the cap  16 . The cavity  18  in the cap  16  is structured to receive and hold the second component  14  in a releasable manner so as to form the combined cosmetics package  10 . 
     First component  12  preferably is a more or less common bottle structure comprising a side wall  12   a , an interior volume  12   b  and a top opening  12   c . First component  12  typically acts as the base for the package  10  and, therefore, preferably has a flat bottom. As shown in FIG. 2, first component  12  contains a liquid, such as finger nail polish  20 . Opening  12   c  allows access to the interior  12   b  of first component  12  and preferably comprises a sealing mechanism such as screw threads  22  for cooperating with cap  16  to close and seal the opening  12   c.  As shown in FIG. 2, first component  12  is a transparent material such as glass or plastic, but it should be noted that the material of which first component  12  is made is of minor consequence so long as the material is capable as serving as a reclosable container for cosmetics. Glass, plastic, metal, porcelain and other ceramics, and even wood are all suitable materials. 
     Second component  14  preferably is a more or less cylindrical hollow structure comprising a first end  14   a  and a second end  14   b . When together, first end  14   a  and second end  14   b  comprise a side wall  14   c  and an interior volume  14   d.  A portion of second end  14   b  fits within a portion of first end  14   a  to form the closed second component  14 . Dashed line  24  indicates the lower extent of second end  14   b  contained within first end  14   a.  Although a friction fit between first end  14   a  and second end  14   b  is preferred, other means of closure, such as screw threads, hinge and clasps, and ridge and valley closures are suitable. As shown in FIG. 2, second component  14  is structured to contain lipstick  26 . In this embodiment, second component  14  has the general mechanical structures of a common lipstick tube, including the twisting mechanism (not shown) to move the lipstick up and down within the second component  14 . The material of which second component  14  is made is of minor consequence so long as the material is capable as serving as a reclosable container for cosmetics. Glass, plastic, metal, porcelain and other ceramics, and even wood are all suitable materials. 
     Second component  14  further comprises a means to releasably secure second component  14  to cap  16 . As shown in FIG. 2, the means to releasably secure second component  14  to cap  16  preferably comprises a recessed ring  28  about the perimeter of side wall  14   c . As discussed in more detail below, recessed ring  28  cooperates with raised ring  30  of cap  16  to releasably secure second component  14  within cavity  18 . Although a recessed ring  28  and raised ring  30  means is shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and other securing means are suitable. For example, second component  14  may be held within cavity  18  by a friction fit only, by magnetism, by recessed dimples and raised dimples, by a screw thread, by channels, by twist and lock channels, by sloped ridges and shoulders and the like. Additionally, the recessed portions can be either on second component  14  or cap  16 ,with the cooperating raised portions being on cap  16  or component  14 , respectively. 
     Connector cap  16  preferably is a structure comprising a sidewall  16   a , a bottom end  16   b  and a top end  16   c . Sidewall  16   a  can be of any desired shape and is used for gripping by the user. Various ornamentations, such as design  32 , can be on sidewall  16   a.  Bottom end  16   b  cooperates with first component  12  to provide a closing means for first component  12 . Preferably, bottom end  16   b  comprises a recess  34  that cooperates with opening  12   c.  As shown in FIG. 2, recess  34  comprises screw threads  36  that cooperate with screw threads  22 . When cap  16  is placed over first component  12 , recess  34  fits over opening  12   c , and screw threads  36  engage screw threads  22 . Cap  16  is twisted and opening  12   c  is covered and closed by recess  34 . 
     Top end  16   c  cooperates with second component  14  to provide a securing means for second component  14 . Top end  16   c  comprises cavity  18  that cooperates with first end  14   a.  As shown in FIG. 2, cavity  18  comprises raised ring  30  that cooperates with recessed ring  28 . When second component  14  is placed within cavity  18 , raised ring  30  fits within recessed ring  28  and holds second component  14  within cavity  18  in a releasable manner. Cavity  18  is structured to complement the shape of first end  14   a.  As shown in FIG. 2, both cavity  18  and first end  14   a  have a generally round shape. However, shape is of minor consequence, and both first end  14   a  and cavity  18  can have different shapes, such as ovals, squares, V-shapes and the like. The material of which cap  16  is made is of minor consequence so long as the material is capable of sufficient strength and elasticity to carry screw threads or the equivalent, and to provide a raised or recessed ridge or ring. Glass, plastic, metal, porcelain and other ceramics, and even wood are all suitable materials. 
     FIG. 3 shows a side view of package  10  as a unit. Second component  14  is fitted within cavity  18  of cap  16 , and cap  16  is secured over opening  12   c  of first component  12 . FIG. 4 shows a top view of package  10  as a unit, and illustrates one shape of package  10  as a whole. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, package  10  does not have to be round, but may be of any shape, including squares and triangles. 
     A first embodiment of the package  10 , as shown in FIG. 2, contemplates the first component  12  being a receptacle for fingernail polish  20  and the second component  14  being a lipstick  26  case. In this first embodiment, first component  12  is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a liquid, that being the finger nail polish  20 , and second component  14  is structured to be a typical lipstick case. Cap  16  can screw onto opening  12   c  of first component  12 , forming a closable bottle for containing the finger nail polish  20 . The top end  16   c  of cap  16  comprises cavity  18 , which is structured to receive second component  14 , that being the lipstick case. An applicator  38  ending in a brush  40  is secured within recess  34  for use in applying finger nail polish  20 . 
     A second embodiment of the package  10 , as shown in FIG. 5, contemplates the first component  12  being a receptacle for eye shadow  42  and the second component  14  being a case capable of containing eye liner pencils  48  or the like. In this second embodiment, first component  12  is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a powder, that being the eye shadow  42 , and second component  14  is structured to be a hollow case capable of containing eye liner pencils  48 . Cap  16  can screw onto opening  12   c  of first component  12 , forming a closable bottle for containing the eye shadow  42 . Top end  16   c  of cap  16  comprises cavity  18 , which is structured to receive second component  14 , that being the eye liner pencil  48  case. An applicator  38  ending in a pad  44  is secured within recess  34  for use in applying eye shadow  42 . 
     A third embodiment of the package  10 , as shown in FIG. 6, contemplates first component  12  being a receptacle for foundation  46  and second component  14  being a case capable of containing rouge  50  or the like. In this third embodiment, first component  12  is structured to be a bottle capable of containing a liquid or paste, that being the foundation  46 , and second component  14  is structured to be a hollow container capable of being filled with rouge  50 . Cap  16  can screw onto the opening  12   c  of first component  12 , forming a closable bottle for containing the foundation  46 . Top end  16   c  of cap  16  comprises cavity  18 , which is structured to receive second component  14 , that being the rouge container. In this third embodiment, an applicator is not necessary, as the first component  12  is merely tipped to allow the foundation  46 , which typically is a liquid, to pour onto a fingertip. 
     The design of the package  10  can be customized as to shape, material of construction, color and proportion, so long as the general configuration of the major components, those being the first component  12 , the second component  14 , and the cap  16 , remains the same. Ornamental features, such as ornamentations  32 , also can be customized both in shape and n placement on the package  10 . 
     The preferred use of the package  10  is in the cosmetics industry. As disclosed above, first component  12  and second component  14  can contain any of a variety of cosmetic products, in a variety of configurations. The potential uses of the package  10  are broad and the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined by the appended claims.