Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses an accessory sleeve for a cosmetic item. The present invention is also directed to a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve. The accessory sleeve has a first opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a first cosmetic container, and a second opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a second cosmetic container. Both the accessory sleeve and the containers have releaseable engagement means to securely hold each to the other. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    The cosmetic industry is a vibrant industry with innovations and inventions. It is a multi-billion dollar market where every new improvement not only promotes a product but also leads to other innovations. There are numerous patents that have been obtained by the innovators of this industry, however, there are always new inventions that keep this industry moving forward. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,511 (Joseph E. Fattori, et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an invention comprising a roll-on applicator package having a container for storing a fluid such as a perfume or lotion or an antiperspirant or deodorant composition, an elongated roller supported on stub axles near the container top for dispensing the fluid and a resilient cap having attached therein a resilient liner for sealing the container. The resilient liner is preferably an elastomeric material and has a Durometer measurement of 20-35 Shore A. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,248 (Georg Ortner, et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an invention comprising a perfume dispenser having a cylindrical shape similar to a pencil. A clip at the covering cap is broad and suitable for affixing advertising or jewelry, and may be slipped over the edge of a pocket, from which only the clip protrudes. The perfume dispenser has a delivery device including a pump, small sponge or a roll-on mechanism, which attaches to a glass cylinder. The covering cap is fastened by slipping it onto the perfume container, and a locking connection is provided between the cap and the perfume container. To compensate for tolerances, the covering cap can connect onto a metal mounting of the delivery device, for example, onto a screw cap. Alternatively, in a plug-in connection, the covering cap is provided with a slit in the edge region of a plug-in opening, or the covering cap may include a metal outer sleeve and an elastically deformable plastic inner sleeve. To improve seating of the cap, the inner sleeve includes ribs, which protrude inwards, extending in the longitudinal direction and having elastic properties. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,694 (Diane Breidenbach, et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an invention comprising a perfume dispenser which is provided with a clear replaceable refill cartridge. The perfume applicator includes a metal or plastic barrel, screw on cap and disposable replaceable refill cartridge. The refill cartridge acts as the case of the unit and liquid perfume is dispensed from a snap-in spring loaded applicator, such as a roll-on applicator or an atomizer spray applicator. The disposable refill cartridge screws into the base of the barrel and a clear plug portion of refill cartridge allows viewing of the perfume level to determine when the unit is empty. The replaceable perfume cartridge preferably includes a threaded neck portion with a roller ball applicator portion therein, wherein the threaded neck portion is closed by a threaded metal cap. The replaceable perfume cartridge also preferably includes a transparent base end to provide an indication of the amount of perfume left in the cartridge, wherein further the transparent base portion is adjacent to a threaded base collar which engages a reciprocal threaded interior end of a plastic sleeve within the metal exterior barrel. 
         [0006]    However, there is a need for improvement in the cosmetic accessories arena, and this invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art, and provides a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus. 
       PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention is a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus. 
         [0008]    Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus. 
         [0009]    Another purpose of this invention is to provide a reliable solution for accommodating at least two cosmetic accessories within one sleeve-type cosmetic apparatus. 
         [0010]    Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide an easy solution for removably locking, carrying, and locating at least one cosmetic accessory. 
         [0011]    Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus comprising: 
         [0000]    (a) a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, an inner wall, an outer wall, and at least one sleeve engageable means;
 
(b) a first cosmetic accessory having at least one first engageable means, said first cosmetic accessory comprising a first container, said first container having a first dispensing means for the passage of at least one first material, and wherein at least a portion of said first cosmetic accessory is releaseably secured to at least a portion of said inner wall of said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve through said first open end;
 
(c) a second cosmetic accessory having at least one second engageable means, said second cosmetic accessory comprising a second container, said second container having a second dispensing means for the passage of at least one second material, and wherein at least a portion of said second cosmetic accessory is releaseably secured to at least a portion of said inner wall of said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve through said second open end; and
 
(d) wherein said at least one sleeve engageable means engages said at least one first engageable means to securely engage said first cosmetic accessory to said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve, and said at least one sleeve engageable means engages said at least one second engageable means to securely engage said second cosmetic accessory to said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve, and thereby forming said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus.
 
         [0012]    In another aspect this invention comprises a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus comprising: 
         [0000]    (a) a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, an inner wall, an outer wall, and at least one sleeve engageable means;
 
(b) a first cosmetic accessory having at least one first engageable means, said first cosmetic accessory comprising a first container and a first container cap, said first container having a first dispensing means for the passage of at least one first material, wherein said first container cap protects said first dispensing means, and wherein at least a portion of said first cosmetic accessory is releaseably secured to at least a portion of said inner wall of said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve through said first open end;
 
(c) a second cosmetic accessory having at least one second engageable means, said second cosmetic accessory comprising a second container and a second container cap, said second container having a second dispensing means for the passage of at least one second material, wherein said second container cap protects said second dispensing means, and wherein at least a portion of said second cosmetic accessory is releaseably secured to at least a portion of said inner wall of said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve through said second open end; and
 
(d) wherein said at least one sleeve engageable means engages said at least one first engageable means to securely engage said first cosmetic accessory to said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve, and said at least one sleeve engageable means engages said at least one second engageable means to securely engage said second cosmetic accessory to said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve, and thereby forming said lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus.
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. The invention may best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side-view of a first embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side-view of a second embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates an end view of a sixth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates an end view of a seventh embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cut-away side-view of an eighth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side-view of a ninth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side-view of a tenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side-view of an eleventh embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side-view of a sixteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  illustrates a side-view of a seventeenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  illustrates a side-view of an eighteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  illustrates a side-view of a nineteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  illustrates a side-view of a twentieth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  illustrates an exploded side-view of a twenty-first embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  illustrates a side-view of a twenty-second embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  illustrates an exploded side-view of a twenty-third embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side-view of a first embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention or apparatus  23 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , or “Fresh Kiz”  23 , comprises of at least one first cosmetic accessory or container  10 , which can be removably secured to at least one lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve or carrier  25 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 , preferably has at least one first opening  11 , at a first end  17 , of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 , could also have at least one second opening  21 , at a second end  27 , of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , or “Fresh Kiz”  23 , could also have at least one second cosmetic accessory or container  20 , which can be removably secured to the at least one lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 . It is preferred that the openings  11 ,  21 , are of such a nature that they can securely accommodate the insertion and securing thereof of either the first cosmetic accessory  10 , or the second cosmetic accessory  20 . The first cosmetic accessory  10 , preferably comprises of an open end or a first dispensing means  14 , a closed end or wall  16 , and a cover or cap or lid  12 . The second cosmetic accessory  20 , preferably comprises of an open end or a second dispensing means  24 , a closed end or wall  26 , and a cover or cap or lid  22 . It should be appreciated that the cover or cap or lid  12 ,  22 , could be any cover or cap or lid  12 ,  22 , which are well-known in the art, such as, for example, a cover or cap or lid having internal threads, or having a snap-on type features, or having an internal sleeve that engages with the outer surface of the container  10 ,  20 , to name a few. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side-view of a second embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention or apparatus  33 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  33 , is similar to the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , except that at least a portion of the cover or cap or lid  12 ,  22 , is inside at least a portion of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 , and is securely held therein. As one can see in this embodiment the closed end or wall  16 ,  26 , are on the outside of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  25 , and at the opposite ends. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention or apparatus  43 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  43 , is similar to the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , except that the cosmetic accessory or container  30 , has a fluid delivery device  34 , in the cover or cap or lid portion  32 . The fluid delivery device  34 , could be an atomizer spray head  34 , a push button type outlet nozzle  34 , a spray mechanism  34 , to name a few 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  45 , comprises at least one opening  46 , to accommodate at least one engaging means  47 . The at least one engaging means  47 , could be selected from a group comprising, a ball, a ball bearing, a solid protruding material, a male-type protrusion, to name a few. It should be appreciated that the opening  46 , is a through opening such that the engaging means  47 , protrudes through both the inside surface or plane of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  45 , as well as the outside surface or the plane of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  45 . The engaging means  47 , could also be a button-type lock and release  47 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  55 , comprises at least one engaging area  57 . The at least one engaging area  57 , could be internal threads  57 , or internal grooves  57 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  55 , could optionally have at least one opening  58 , to allow for air movement, especially, for any release of air pressure when the cosmetic accessory  10 ,  20 , is being inserted into the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  55 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates an end view of a sixth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  65 , comprises at least one engaging area  67 . The at least one engaging area  67 , could be at least one locking teeth  67 , or at least one locking rib  67 . As one can see that the cross-sectional area of the first end  17 , is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first opening  11 . The cross-sectional area of the opening  11 , is comparable to the cross-sectional area of the first container  10 , or the second container  20 , as it has to be slightly bigger to accommodate the insertion of the first container  10 , or the second container  20 , into the first opening  11 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates an end view of a seventh embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  75 , comprises at least one engaging area  77 . The at least one engaging area  77 , could be at least one locking channel  77 , or blind hole  77 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cut-away side-view of an eighth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  85 , comprises at least one engaging wall  86 . The engaging wall  86 , could have secured thereto at least one first spring  87 . The engaging wall  86 , could have secured thereto at least one second spring  89 , such that the first spring  87 , and the second spring  89 , are on the opposite wall surface of the engaging wall  86 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  85 , could also have at least one locking teeth or rib or bump, or protrusion  82 . The wall  86 , of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  85 , could optionally have at least one opening  88 , to allow for air movement, especially, for any release of air pressure when the cosmetic accessory  10 ,  20 , is being inserted into the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  85 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side-view of a ninth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  95 , comprises at least one engaging area  97 . The at least one engaging area  97 , could be selected from a group comprising at least one locking channel  97 , a blind hole channel  97 , a bayonet-type channel  97 , a curved-shaped engaging channel  97 , to name a few. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side-view of a tenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  105 , comprises at least one engaging wall  106 . The engaging wall  106 , is shaped such that it is thickest at a first location  102 , and thinner at a second location  104 , where the second location  104 , is closer to at least the first surface  17 , or the second surface  27 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side-view of an eleventh embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  115 , comprises at least one engaging wall  116 . The engaging wall  116 , is shaped such that it has a first cross-sectional area at a first location  112 , and second cross-sectional area at a second location  114 , such that the first cross-sectional area  112 , is different than the second cross-sectional area  114 . It is preferred that the first cross-sectional area  112 , is smaller than the second cross-sectional area  114 . For some applications the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  115 , could also have at least one wall  118 . It is preferred that the wall  118 , is in the first cross-sectional area  112 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  125 , comprises at least one engaging area  126 . The at least one engaging area  126 , could be at least one locking teeth  126 , or at least one locking rib  126 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cut-away perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  135 , comprises at least one first engaging area  136 . The at least one first engaging area  136 , could be at least one locking channel or blind hole  136 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  135 , could also comprise of at least one second engaging area  138 . The at least one second engaging area  138 , could be at least one locking channel or locking protrusion  138 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  143 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  143 , is similar to the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , except that the cosmetic accessory or container  130 , has at least one engaging mechanism  132 . The at least one engaging mechanism  132 , could be selected from a group comprising an engaging protrusion  132 , a ball bearing  132 , a protruding surface  132 , to name a few. The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  143 , could also have a second cosmetic accessory or container  140 , having at least one engaging mechanism  142 . The at least one engaging mechanism  142 , could be selected from a group comprising an engaging protrusion  142 , a teeth protrusion  142 , a ribbed protrusion  142 , a protruding surface  142 , to name a few. The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  145 , could also have at least one first engaging area  134 , to securely engage and accommodate the engaging mechanism  132 . Similarly, the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  145 , could also have at least one second engaging area  144 , to securely engage and accommodate the engaging mechanism  142 . The engaging mechanism  132 ,  142 , could also be a button-type lock and release mechanism  132 ,  142 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  153 . The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  153 , is similar to the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  23 , except that the cosmetic accessory or container  150 , has at least one engaging mechanism  152 . The at least one engaging mechanism  152 , could be selected from a group comprising an engaging spring  152 , a raised strip  152 , to name a few. The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention  153 , could also have a second cosmetic accessory or container  120 , having at least one engaging mechanism  122 . The at least one engaging mechanism  122 , could be selected from a group comprising an engaging protrusion  122 , a wing-type protrusion  122 , a wing-ribbed-type protrusion  122 , to name a few. The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  155 , could also have at least one first engaging area  154 , to securely engage and accommodate the engaging mechanism  152 . Similarly, the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve  155 , could also have at least one second engaging area  124 , to securely engage and accommodate the engaging mechanism  122 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side-view of a sixteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  160 , has at least one engaging surface  168 , and a base  166 . The at least one engaging surface  168 , could be at least one locking channel  168 , or a locking protrusion  168 . The cosmetic accessory or container  160 , could also have a cap or cover  162 , having at least one cosmetic accessory  164 , secured thereto. The at least one cosmetic accessory  164 , could be selected from a group comprising, a lipstick  164 , an eye pencil  164 , an eye liner  164 , a chap stick  164 , a deodorant stick  164 , a perfume stick  164 , to name a few. 
         [0053]      FIG. 17  illustrates a side-view of a seventeenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  170 , has at least one engaging surface  178 , and a base  176 . The at least one engaging surface  178 , could be at least one locking channel  178 , or a blind channel  178 , to name a few. 
         [0054]      FIG. 18  illustrates a side-view of an eighteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  180 , has at least one engaging surface  188 , and a base  186 . The at least one engaging surface  188 , is shaped such that it has a first cross-sectional area at a first location  182 , and second cross-sectional area at a second location  184 , such that the first cross-sectional area  182 , is different than the second cross-sectional area  184 . It is preferred that the first cross-sectional area  182 , is smaller than the second cross-sectional area  184 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 19  illustrates a side-view of a nineteenth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention having a cosmetic accessory or container  190 , with a base  196 , where the cosmetic accessory  190 , is shaped such that it has a first cross-sectional area at a first location  191 , and second cross-sectional area at a second location  193 , such that the first cross-sectional area  191 , is different than the second cross-sectional area  193 . It is preferred that the first cross-sectional area  191 , is smaller than the second cross-sectional area  193 . The cosmetic accessory or container  190 , could also have a cap or cover  192 , having at least one cosmetic support article or accessory  194 , secured thereto. The at least one cosmetic support accessory  194 , could also have at least one cosmetic applicator  198 , secured thereto, where the cosmetic applicator  198 , could be selected from a group comprising, a brush  198 , a swab  198 , a felt-type material  198 , a scrubber  198 , a to name a few. 
         [0056]      FIG. 20  illustrates a side-view of a twentieth embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  200 , has at least one engaging surface  208 , and a base  206 . The at least one engaging surface  208 , could be at least one locking channel  208 , or external threads  208 , or external grooves  208 . The cosmetic accessory or container  200 , could also have a cap or cover  202 , that can be snapably engaged to the peripheral edge or mouth  204 , of the cosmetic accessory  200 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 21  illustrates an exploded side-view of a twenty-first embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  210 , has a base  216 , and a cap or cover  212 . The cosmetic accessory  210 , could have roller  218 , or a roll-on type mechanism  218 , secured to the peripheral edge or mouth  214 , of the cosmetic accessory or container  210 . The roller  218 , could be a roller-type ball  218 , a cylindrical elongated roller  218 , or any other similar device which can be used for dispensing fluids or material, such as, for example, cosmetic fluids or cosmetic material, from inside the container  210 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 22  illustrates a side-view of a twenty-second embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  220 , has a base  226 , and a cap or cover or lid  222 . An area between the cap  222 , and the container  220 , defines an opening or mouth  224 . The cap  222 , has at least one channel or ridge  221 , while the container  220 , has at least one channel or ridge  228 . The at least one channel or ridge  221 , and/or the at least one channel or ridge  228 , help in providing a non-smooth area for the easy opening and closing of the cap  222 , and/or the container  220 , of the lock-in cosmetic accessory  23 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 23  illustrates an exploded side-view of a twenty-third embodiment of a lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve invention where a cosmetic accessory or container  230 , has a base  236 , and a cap or cover or lid  232 . An area between the cap  232 , and the container  230 , defines an opening or mouth or dispensing means  234 . The cap  232 , along the peripheral portion of the cap  232 , has at least one male or female engagement portion  231 , while the container  230 , along the peripheral portion of the container  230 , has at least one male or female engagement portion  238 . The male or female engagement portion  231  and  238 , allow the secure engagement of the cap  232 , with the container  230 , around the opening  234 . 
         [0060]    It is preferred that the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve is made from a material selected from a group comprising, metal, plastic, glass, Plexiglas, a composite material, or any combination thereof, to name a few. 
         [0061]    It is preferred that the cosmetic accessory is made from a material selected from a group comprising, metal, plastic, glass, Plexiglas, a composite material, or any combination thereof, to name a few. For most applications the cosmetic accessory is preferably a slender and an elongated type cosmetic accessory. For some applications the cosmetic accessory could be made from a transparent material or at least a portion of the cosmetic accessory could be transparent so that the user could visually see the material remaining inside the cosmetic accessory. 
         [0062]    The cosmetic accessory could contain material from a group comprising, a lipstick, a lip gloss, a chap stick, a perfume, a cologne, a breath freshener, a breath spray, a deodorant, an antiperspirant, an eyeliner, an eye shadow, a cosmetic-type pencil, a shadow pencil, a concealer pencil, a liquid liner, a lip liner, a cosmetic lacquer, a mascara, a cream, a hand cream, an acne cream, a lotion, a suntan lotion, a skin lotion, a cosmetic fluid, a nail polish, a nail polish remover, a stain remover, a static guard, a blush, a powder, a mineral powder, a makeup concealer, a makeup foundation, to name a few. The cosmetic accessory could also be a hollow container which could be used as a storage container or device as desired by the user. Similarly, the cosmetic accessory could also be a refillable container or dispenser. However, for some applications the cosmetic accessory could be such that it accommodates a removable or replaceable fluid or material reservoir cartridge. For some applications the cosmetic accessory could be a pen-type insert which could be engageably or permanently inserted within a casing. 
         [0063]    It is preferred that the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus is used to secure two complimentary cosmetic items within the sleeve or carrier. For example, the first cosmetic accessory  10 , could be a breath spray  10 , while the second cosmetic accessory  20 , could be a lip gloss  20 , which could both engageably be secured to the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve or carrier  25 . 
         [0064]    As one can now appreciate that this invention allows the easy carrying of small cosmetic accessories in a secure and engageably removable way, such as, in a purse or a pouch or in a pocket. 
         [0065]    For some applications one could color code the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve and/or the containers and/or the cosmetic accessory containers. One could also use glitter and/or rhinestones with the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve and/or the containers and/or the cosmetic accessory containers. 
         [0066]    The lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus of this invention is being marketed under the brand name “Freshkiz”, and is available via the website www.freshkiz.com. 
         [0067]    The cap on the cosmetic accessory is preferably used to protect the dispensing means, however, for some applications an article could be secured to the cap such that the article secured to the cap is held inside the container, and wherein the article could be selected from a group comprising a brush, a swab, cosmetic stick, a lipstick, a lip gloss stick, a chap stick, a perfume stick, a cologne stick, a deodorant stick, an antiperspirant stick, an eyeliner, an eye shadow pencil, a cosmetic-type pencil, a shadow pencil, a concealer pencil, a liquid liner, a lip liner, a cosmetic lacquer liner, a mascara liner, a stain remover stick, and a blush stick, to name a few. 
         [0068]    It should be appreciated that for most applications the cross-sectional area of the lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first container and/or the second container. 
         [0069]    While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Technology Category: 1