BEAUTY SYSTEM

Abstract

A beauty system including a lid, one or more stacking jars containing cosmetics, skin care compositions, or hair care compositions and a base is described herein.

Description

GOVERNMENT INTERESTS

Not applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

INCORPORATION OF MATERIAL ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

This application relates to beauty systems for storing cosmetics, skin care compositions, hair care compositions, or combinations thereof. While various types of beauty systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used the invention described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are directed to a beauty system having a lid operably connected to one of one or more jars and a base operably connected to one of the one or more jars. In some embodiments, the jars may contain cosmetics, skin care composition, hair care compositions, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base may contain an applicator such as a brush, a sponge, and combinations thereof In some embodiments, the base may contain a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition, and in various embodiments, at least one of the one or more jars may contain a skin care composition. In some embodiments, each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases may be the same color, and in other embodiments, each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases may be a different color. In certain embodiments, one or more of the jars may be a similar color to the cosmetic contained within. In some embodiments, each of the one or more jars may hold about 0.5 ounces to about 10 ounces of a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition. In some embodiments, the lid may include a mirror. In various embodiments, each of the one or more jars and bases may have an outer diameter of about 35 millimeters (mm) to about 50 mm, and in some embodiments, each of the one or more jars may have a height of about 1 centimeter (cm) to 5 cm. The one or more jars may have any geometric shape such as, for example, cylinder, cube, cone, prism, and combinations thereof In particular embodiments, the system may include an insert sized to be removably contained within one of the one or more jars and hold a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition.

Other embodiments are directed to a storage device having two or more operably connected jars, each jar having an outer diameter of about 35 millimeters (mm) to about 50 mm, and a height of about 1 centimeter (cm) to 10 cm. In some embodiments, the device may further include a base, a lid, or combination thereof, each of the base and lid having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the two or more jars. In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more jars may contain a cosmetic composition. In some embodiments, each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases may be the same color, and in other embodiments, each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases may be a different color. In certain embodiments, one or more of the jars may be a similar color to the cosmetic contained within. In some embodiments, each of the one or more jars may hold about 0.1 ounces to about 10 ounces of a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition. In some embodiments, the lid may include a mirror. The one or more jars may have any geometric shape such as, for example, cylinder, cube, cone, prism, and combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, the storage device may include one or more inserts sized to be removably contained within each of the one or more jars and configured to hold a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a disassembled perspective view of the beauty system of the invention including stacked jars.

FIG. 2A depicts a top-down perspective views of ajar of the beauty system of FIG. 1, containing a removable pan for holding the contents of the jar.

FIG. 2B depicts a bottom-up perspective view of the jar of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a top-down perspective view of a jar of the beauty system of FIG. 1, with the pan and ring removed.

FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of the ring for the jar of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts a top-down perspective view of a lid for the beauty system of FIG.

FIG. 4B depicts a bottom-up perspective view of the lid of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts a top-down perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lid for the beauty system of FIG. 1, showing a hath of the lid in a closed state.

FIG. 5B depicts a bottom-up perspective view of the lid of FIG. 5A, showing the hatch in the closed state.

FIG. 5C depicts a top-down perspective view of the lid of FIG. 5A, showing the hatch in an open state.

FIG. 6A depicts a top-down perspective view of a base for the beauty system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B depicts a bottom-up perspective view of the base of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts a top-down perspective view of the base of FIG. 6A, with an applicator inserted into the cavity of the base.

FIG. 7 depicts a top-down perspective view of a cosmetics pan of the prior art.

FIG. 8A depicts a top-down perspective view of a removable pan of the beauty system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B depicts a bottom-up perspective view of the pan of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 depicts a disassembled perspective view of the pan and jar of the beauty system of FIG. 1 together to illustrate how these components of the beauty system interact.

FIG. 10A depicts perspective views of various embodiments of the pan of the beauty system of FIG. 1, showing the pans having different sized outer casings to hold different amounts of contents.

FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a pan for the beauty system of FIG. 1 that has a divider for creating individual compartments for different contents.

FIG. 11A depicts a cross-sectional view of another exemplary beauty system, showing a base of the beauty system threadably coupled to a lower outer casing of a lid of the beauty system, and further showing a hatch of the lid hingedly coupled to the lower outer casing and in a closed state.

FIG. 11B depicts a cross-sectional view of the beauty system of FIG. 11A, showing the hatch in an open state.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of another exemplary beauty system, showing a base of the beauty system threadably coupled to a jar of the beauty system, and further showing a lid of the beauty system threadably coupled to the jar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects now will be described more fully hereinafter. Such aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art.

Where a range of values is provided, it is intended that each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. For example, if a range of 1 cm to 8 cm is stated, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, and 7 cm are also intended to be explicitly disclosed, as well as the range of values greater than or equal to 1 cm and the range of values less than or equal to 8 cm.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “jar” includes a single jar as well as two or more of the same or different jars, and the like.

The word “about” when immediately preceding a numerical value means a range of plus or minus 20% of that value, e.g. “about 50” means 40-60, “about 25,000” means 20,000-30,000, etc., unless the context of the disclosure indicates otherwise, or is inconsistent with such an interpretation. For example, in a list of numerical values such as “about 49, about 50, about 55, “about 50” means a range extending to less than half the interval(s) between the preceding and subsequent values, e.g. more than 49.5 to less than 52.5. Furthermore, the phrases “less than about” a value or “greater than about” a value should be understood in view of the definition of the term “about” provided herein.

The transitional term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. By contrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention. In embodiments or claims where the term comprising is used as the transition phrase, such embodiments can also be envisioned with replacement of the term “comprising” with the terms “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.”

As used herein, the term “cosmetic” or “cosmetics” are substances or products used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or body often called “make-up” or “makeup.” Common cosmetics include lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, lip gloss, rouge, blush, and the like. The terms “skin care composition” or “skin care product” is used to describe compositions that clean or treat skin, and include, for example, cleansers, lotions, soaps, balms, foams, and the like. “Hair care compositions” or “hair care products” refers to compositions specifically formulated to be applied to or treat hair such as shampoos, conditioner, and hairstyling products (gel, hair spray, etc.).

As used herein, the term “applicator” or “applicators” are tools a user may utilize to apply one or more of the cosmetics. Common applicators include sponges, puffs, brushes, and the like.

This description of embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. When only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

By hereby reserving the right to proviso out or exclude any individual members of any such group, including any sub-ranges or combinations of sub-ranges within the group, that can be claimed according to a range or in any similar manner, less than the full measure of this disclosure can be claimed for any reason. Further, by hereby reserving the right to proviso out or exclude any individual substituents, analogs, compounds, ligands, structures, or groups thereof, or any members of a claimed group, less than the full measure of this disclosure can be claimed for any reason. Throughout this disclosure, various patents, patent applications and publications are referenced. The disclosures of these patents, patent applications and publications in their entireties are incorporated into this disclosure by reference in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of this disclosure. This disclosure will govern in the instance that there is any inconsistency between the patents, patent applications and publications cited and this disclosure.

For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples and claims are collected here. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

Various embodiments of the invention are directed to stackable jars and systems including such stackable jars that can be used to store solid or semi-solid compounds, such as lotions, cosmetics, shampoos, balms, powders, gels, and the like and combinations thereof, for easy access and use, particularly during travel. In particular embodiments, the invention is directed to stackable cosmetic jars and systems including such stackable cosmetic jars. The system of some embodiments may include a least a first jar and a second jar that can be releasably fitted with a coupling mechanism such as a screw threads, snaps, clasps, and the like. The first jar and second jar can be stacked one above the other and releasably locked together through the coupling mechanism.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example cosmetic system 1. The system 1 includes any number of jars 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d flanked on by a lid 140a, 140b and a base 160. The jars 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d may be reversibly connected to one another to create a stack using, for example, screw type threading, as shown, snaps, banding, and the like or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, each jar may include threads on an inner surface on the lower portion of 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. These inner threads 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d may correspond and mesh with threads on an outer surface of an upper portion 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d of an adjacent jar, allowing the jars to be reversibly connected to one another creating a stack. For example, the inner threads 111c of jar 110c may reversibly connect to the outer threads 112d of an adjacent jar 110d. In this way, the upper jar 110c acts as a lid for the lower jar 110d allowing the contents of the lower jar to remain in place during transport.

In some embodiments, the beauty system may include a top lid 140a, 140b that may be reversibly connected to the uppermost jar 140a, 140b in the stack. In some embodiments, the lid 140b may attach to the jar 110b using the same mechanism used to connect the jars in the stack. For example, the lid 140b may include an inner surface with threads 112b that correspond and mesh with threads on the outer surface of the upper portion 112b of the topmost jar 110b. In other embodiments, the lid 140a may include a hinged connection to a topmost jar 110a, and in still other embodiments, the lid 140a and hinged ring may include internal threads that mesh with threads on the outer surface of the upper portion 112b of the topmost jar 110b. In some embodiments, the beauty system may include a base 160 that attaches to the bottom of the bottom most jar in the beauty system stack. For example, the base 160 may have an out surface on an upper portion with threads 162 that correspond and mesh with threads on the inner surface of the lower portion 111d of the bottom most jar 110d.

The beauty system of various embodiments may include any number of jars. For example, the beauty system of embodiments may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more jars each of which can be reversibly connected to one another using the same mechanisms. Therefore, the jars 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d can be rearranged and placed in any order, allowing the user to determine how the jars are arranged.

The jars, lids, and bases and the stacks formed by attaching these components may have any geometric shapes such as a cylinder, cone, cuboid, various polygonal prisms, including, for example, hexagonal prism, octagonal prism, and the like. In some embodiments, jars of various shapes may be combined to create a stack with different shapes across its length. As used herein, the term “cylinder” or “cylinders” is a solid or hollow geometric figure with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section. The term “cone” or “cones” is a solid or hollow geometric figure which tapers from a circular or roughly circular base to a point. The term “cube” or “cubes” is a symmetrical three-dimensional shape, either solid or hollow, contained by six equal squares. “Prisms” are made with a regular polygon on top and bottom faces, and rectangular faces on all sides.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an external view of ajar 2. The jar 2 may have a lower casing 212 with an outer surface that when joined with other jars forms an outer surface of the cylindrical stack. The outer surface of the lower casing 212 of the jar 2 may be smooth or textured, and in some embodiments, the outer surface of the jar 2 may be colored. The upper portion 211 of the jar 2 may have an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the lower casing 212 and may include a connector means 215 such as threads. An inner surface or the lower casing 212 in such embodiments may include a mating connector means 214, such as mating screw threads. Using the connector means 214, 215 the upper portion 211 of a first jar may be reversibly connected to the lower casing 212 of a second jar or a lid. A generally perpendicular step 213 may be formed at the junction between the upper portion 211 and the lower casing 212 when the connector means 214, 215 are connected. In some embodiments, a ring 230 may sit above the lower casing 212. In other embodiments, the ring may be absent and the outer casing may meet the connector means at the step (not shown). The step 213, in such embodiments, may provide a seat for the outer portion of an adjoining jar, lid, or base when these elements are joined, allowing the stack to have a substantially uniform shape when joined with little or no gap between jar and the adjoining jar, lid, or base.

In some embodiments, the jar may include a cavity into which the contents of the jar are directly disposed. Thus, the jar may include a bottom casing 218 that creates the lower boundary of the internal cavity. In some embodiments, a pan 220 may be disposed within the cavity to hold contents 221 that are stored within the jar. In certain embodiments, the pan 220 may be removable and replaceable allowing the jar 2 to be reusable. In such embodiments, the bottom casing 218 may act as a lower stop for the pan 220, or in some embodiments, the bottom casing 218 may be absent or partially absent allowing access to the bottom of the pan 220.

FIG. 3A is a detailed illustration of a jar as described in FIG. 2 with the ring 230 removed. As discussed above, the jar 3 may have a lower casing 312 and an upper portion 311 that may have an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the lower casing 312. An inner surface or the lower casing 312 in such embodiments may include a mating connector means 314, such as mating screw threads, and upper portion 311 may include a connector means 315, such as threads that allow the upper portion 311 of a first jar may be reversibly connected to the lower casing 312 of a second jar or a lid. A generally perpendicular step 313 may be formed at the junction between the upper portion 311 and the lower casing 312. The ring 330 illustrated in FIG. 3B may include a sealing means, such as an o-ring, or in some embodiments, the ring 330 may be composed of a more pliable material that is capable of creating a seal between the jar 2 and the adjoining jar, lid, or base.

FIG. 4 shows a lid 4 of various embodiments. FIG. 4A is a top-down view of the lid 4 and FIG. 4B is a bottom-up view of the lid 4. The lid 4 may have an outer casing 441 that may have a smooth or textured outer surface, which in some embodiments, may match the outer surface of the jar. The lid may further include a top casing 440, forming a covering over a neighboring attached jar and sealing the neighboring jar. The top casing 440 may be domed, flat, or concave. The lid 4 may further include a connecting means 442 on an inner surface of the outer casing 441. The inner surface 443 of the top casing 440 may hold, for example, applicators, tools, or a mirror, and in some embodiments, the inner surface 443 of the top casing 440 may provide a sealing means.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a lid 5. FIG. 5A is a top-down view of the lid 5, FIG. 5B is a bottom-up view of the lid 5, and FIG. 5C is a view of the lid 5 with the lid 5 in open configuration. The lid may include a top casing 550, forming a covering over a neighboring attached jar and sealing the neighboring jar. The top casing 550 may be attached to an upper outer casing 557 that together with the top casing 550 forms a hatch. A lower outer casing 551 may be attached to the upper outer casing 557 by a hinge 553 that allows the hatch to have an open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5C and a closed configuration as illustrated FIG. 5A without separating the lid 5 from the adjoining jar. In some embodiments, the hatch may include a latch mechanism that locks the lid in the closed configuration. A button 552 may interact with the latch 555 such that depressing the button 552 causes the latch to release from the lower outer casing 551 allowing the hatch to open and the lid 5 to obtain open configuration. In certain embodiments, the hinge 553 may include a spring that allows the hatch to open automatically when the button 552 is depressing. An inner surface of the outer casing 551 of the lid 5 may further include a connecting means 554. As discussed above the top casing 550, upper outer casing 557 and lower outer casing 551 may each individually have a smooth or textured outer surface, which in some embodiments, may match the outer surface of the jar, and the top casing 540 may be domed, flat, or concave. The inner surface 556 of the top casing 550 may hold, for example, applicators, tools, or a mirror, and in some embodiments, the inner surface 556 of the top casing 550 may provide a sealing means.

FIG. 6 shows a base 6 encompassed by the invention. The base 6 may generally include an upper connector 665 and a lower foot 662. The upper connector 665 may include a connecting means such as, for example, screw threads 665 for connecting to an inner surface of the lower casing of a neighboring jar or lid. The lower foot 662 may form a flat surface on which the stack can be placed while maintaining a vertical position. In some embodiments, upper connector 665 may form a cavity 660 that can be configured like the jars discussed above, and in other embodiments, the cavity 660 may form a compartment for storage of, for example, a cosmetic applicator 667 as depicted in FIG. 6C, a mirror, or an applicator and a mirror.

In embodiments in which the contents of the jar is held in a pan, the pan may take any form. For example, FIG. 7 is an illustration of a pan 7 of the prior art having cavity 770 and an outer casing. Such pans 7 are generally stamped metal and have a smooth outer surface. The pan may be held within the jar using an adhesive or pressure fitting and may be removable.

In other embodiments, the pan may reversibly engage the jar, as illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 8 shows a detail of a reversibly engaging pan 8 (element 9a in FIG. 9). FIG. 8A is a top-down view of the pan 8 and FIG. 8B is a bottom-up view of the pan 8. The reversibly engaging pan 8 may include an outer casing 824 and operably connected lower casing 826 that and a cavity 820. An outer surface of the outer casing 824 may include a connector means, such as threads 825. In some embodiments, the pan 8 may include a flanged edge 822 extending away from the outer casing 824, creating a clean edge for the pan 8. The flanged edge 822 may include an outer rim 823 that may be thicker than the flanged edge or have a raised profile, allowing a user to easily manipulate the pan 8 by engaging the outer rim 823. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the user may engage the outer rim 923 and rotate the pan 9a against the jar 9b. The meshed screw threads pan connector means 916 of the jar 9b and connector means, such as threads 925 on the outer casing 924 of the pan 9a may be rotated away from each other releasing the pan 9a from the jar 9b. A new pan 9a can be inserted into the jar 9b by reversing the rotation with a new pan.

FIG. 9 shows the major features of the pan 9a: outer casing 924 including a connector means, such as threads 925, flanged edge 922 may include an outer rim 923, and the jar 9b: the lower casing 912, ring 930, connector means 915 of the upper portion of jar 9b, and the pan connector means 916.

In various embodiments, the pan 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be designed to hold skin care products and cosmetics such as balms, lotions, foundation, lipstick, rouge, lip balm, skin coloring agents, hair care product such as shampoo, conditioner, mouse, styling gel, wax, shaving cream, and the like and combinations thereof and may be designed to hold applicators for such products. Therefore, the pan 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may have a number of different sizes and designs, some of which are illustrated in FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the pans 10a, 10b, 10c may have different depths by extending the outer casing 1024a, 1024b, 1024c away from the flange. Thus, the pan may be able to hold appropriate amounts of such products for daily use. For example, more broadly applicable products such as lotions may be contained in a bigger jar 10c than, for example, eye shadow, which may be contained in a lower capacity jar 10a. In other embodiments, the pan may include a divider 1026 that creates two or more cavities within 1027a, 1027b a pan 10d, allowing a single pan 10d to hold more than 1 product, for example, different shades of eye, lip, or cheek make-up.

The pans 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d of embodiments may be sized to hold various amounts of materials and may be reusable or refillable. For example, in some embodiments, the jars and bases may each individually hold up to about 15 ounces, from about 0.1 ounces (oz) to about 10 oz, about 1 oz to about 7 oz, about 1 oz to about 5 oz or any individual amount or range encompassed by these example ranges. In particular embodiments, the jars and bases may hold about 3.5 oz or 3.4 oz of cosmetics or skin care products. The inserts and pans of embodiments may include a screw-mechanism with stops and may include a flanged edge to make replacement easier for the user. In other embodiments, the inserts and pans may be connected to the jars with clasps, clips, pressure fittings, and the like or any means for reversibly connecting the jars and pans. The pans of such embodiments may be plastic, acrylic, nylon, metal, and the like and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 11A-11B depict another exemplary beauty system 1100 including a base 1102 and a lid 1104.

The base 1102 is generally similar to the base 160 described above in connection with FIG. 1 and the base 6 described above in connection with FIGS. 6A-6C, except as otherwise described herein. For example, the base 1102 may generally include an upper connector 1110 similar to the upper connector 665 and a lower foot 1112 similar to the lower foot 662. The upper connector 1110 may include a connecting means such as, for example, screw threads 1110 similar to screw threads 665 for connecting to an inner surface of the lower casing of a neighboring jar (not shown) or lid 1104. The lower foot 1112 may form a flat surface on which the stack can be placed while maintaining a vertical position. In some embodiments, upper connector 1110 may form a cavity 1114 similar to the cavity 660 that can be configured like the jars discussed above, and in other embodiments, the cavity 1114 may form a compartment for storage of, for example, a cosmetic applicator, a mirror, or an applicator and a mirror (not shown).

The lid 1104 is generally similar to the lid 140a described above in connection with FIG. 1 and the lid 5 described above in connection with FIGS. 5A-5C, except as otherwise described herein. For example, the lid 1104 may generally include a hatch 1140 coupled to a lower outer casing 1142 similar to the lower outer casing 551 by a hinge 1144 similar to the hinge 553 that allows the hatch 1140 to have an open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 11B and a closed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 11A without separating the lid 1104 from an adjoining jar (not shown) or base 1102. In the embodiment shown, the hatch 1140 includes a latch mechanism 1146 similar to the latch 555 that locks the lid 1104 in the closed configuration. In this regard, the latch 1146 includes a deflectable detent 1148 configured to engage a ledge 1150 of the lower outer casing 1142 for resisting opening of the lid 1104. The detent 1148 may be configured to deflect out of engagement with the ledge 1150 upon application of a threshold opening force for permitting selective opening of the lid 1104. In some versions, a button similar to the button 552 may interact with the latch 1146 such that depressing the button causes the detent 1148 to deflect out of engagement with the ledge 1150 allowing the hatch 1140 to open and the lid 1104 to obtain open configuration. In certain embodiments, the hinge 1144 may include a spring that allows the hatch 1140 to open automatically when the button is depressing. An inner surface of the lower outer casing 1142 of the lid 1104 may further include a connecting means 1152 similar to the connecting means 554 for coupling the lower outer casing 1142 to an adjoining jar (not shown) or base 1102 (e.g., by threadably engaging screw threads 1110). As discussed above the hatch 1140 and lower outer casing 1142 may each individually have a smooth or textured outer surface, which in some embodiments, may match the outer surface of an adjoining jar (not shown) or base 1102, and the hatch 1140 may be domed, flat, or concave. The inner surface 1154 of the hatch 1140 may hold, for example, applicators, tools, or a mirror, and in some embodiments, the inner surface 1154 of the hatch 1140 may provide a sealing means.

FIG. 12 depicts another exemplary beauty system 1200 including a base 1202, ajar 1203, and a lid 1204.

The base 1202 is generally similar to the base 160 described above in connection with FIG. 1, the base 6 described above in connection with FIGS. 6A-6C, and the base 1102 described above in connection with FIGS. 11A-11B, except as otherwise described herein. For example, the base 1202 may generally include an upper connector 1210 similar to the upper connector 1110 and a lower foot 1212 similar to the lower foot 1112. The upper connector 1210 may include a connecting means such as, for example, screw threads 1210 similar to screw threads 1110 for connecting to an inner surface of the lower casing of a neighboring jar 1203 or lid 1204. The lower foot 1212 may form a flat surface on which the stack can be placed while maintaining a vertical position. In some embodiments, upper connector 1210 may form a cavity 1214 similar to the cavity 1114 that can be configured like the jars discussed above, and in other embodiments, the cavity 1214 may form a compartment for storage of, for example, a cosmetic applicator, a mirror, or an applicator and a mirror (not shown).

The jar 1203 is generally similar to the jars 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d described above in connection with FIG. 1, the jar 2 described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2B, the jar 3 described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3B, and the jar 9b described above in connection with FIG. 9, except as otherwise described herein. For example, the jar 1203 may generally include a lower casing 1220 similar to the lower casing 212 with an outer surface that when joined with other jars forms an outer surface of the cylindrical stack. The outer surface of the lower casing 1220 of the jar 1203 may be smooth or textured, and in some embodiments, the outer surface of the jar 1203 may be colored. The upper portion 1222 of the jar 1203 may have an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the lower casing 1220 and may include a connector means 1224 similar to the connector means 215 such as threads. An inner surface of the lower casing 1220 in such embodiments may include a mating connector means 1226 similar to the mating connector means 214, such as mating screw threads. Using the connector means 1224, 1226 the upper portion 1222 of a first jar may be reversibly connected to the lower casing 1220 of a second jar (not shown) or the lid 1204, and/or the lower casing 1220 of the first jar may be reversibly connected to the upper portion 1222 of a third jar (not shown) or the base 1202. A generally perpendicular step 1228 similar to the step 213 may be formed at the junction between the upper portion 1222 and the lower casing 1220.

In some embodiments, the jar 1203 may include a cavity 1230 into which the contents of the jar 1203 are directly disposed. In some embodiments, a pan (not shown) similar to the pan 220 may be disposed within the cavity 1230 to hold contents (not shown) that are stored within the jar 1203. In certain embodiments, the pan may be removable and replaceable allowing the jar 1203 to be reusable. In this regard, the jar 1203 may include an aperture 1232 directly below and communicating with the cavity 1230, such that the aperture 1232 may be directly below a pan disposed within the cavity 1230. Thus, a user may insert the user's thumb or finger (or any suitable poking tool) through the aperture 1232 (e.g., when the jar 1203 is separated from the base 1202) to push the pan upwardly out of the cavity 1230 (e.g., when the jar 1203 is separated from the lid 1204) to promote removal of the pan and subsequent replacement of the pan with the same pan (e.g., after being refilled with different contents) or with a different pan (e.g., holding different contents than the original pan). In the example shown, the jar 1203 includes a ridge 1234 extending about a periphery of the cavity 1230. In some versions, the ridge 1234 may support an outer rim of the pan, which may be generally similar to the outer rim 823 of the pan 8, for example.

The jar 1203 of the present version also includes a bezel 1236 configured to releasably retain the pan within the cavity 1230 of the jar 1203. In this regard, the bezel 1236 may be sized and configured to sandwich or otherwise capture at least a portion of the pan (e.g., an outer rim thereof) between the bezel 1236 and at least a portion of the jar 1203 (e.g., the ridge 1234 thereof), and to provide a press fit between an outer surface of the bezel 1236 and an inner surface of the upper portion 1222 of the jar 1203 to thereby securely retain the pan within the cavity 1230 of the jar 1203. In the example shown, the bezel 1236 is generally annular and includes an aperture 1238 configured to be directly above and communicating with the cavity 1230 when the bezel 1236 is fitted within the upper portion 1222 of the jar 1203 to permit access to the cavity 1230 from above the bezel 1236 (e.g., when the jar 1203 is separated from the lid 1204) and thereby allow the user to access the contents of the pan positioned within the cavity 1230. In some versions, the bezel 1236 may include one or more cross-member(s) extending across the aperture 1238 for alignment with one or more corresponding divider(s) of the pan, which may be generally similar to the divider 1026 of the pan 10d, for example. While the pan has been described as a single unitary pan having a generally circular shape (e.g., similar to any of pans 220, 7, 8, 9a, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), it will be appreciated that multiple sub-pans may be used instead, such as two sub-pans each having a generally semicircular shape or any suitable number of sub-pans which may collectively define a generally circular shape. In such cases, the cross-member(s) of the bezel 1236 may align with the boundary between such sub-pans. In any event, the press fit between the outer surface of the bezel 1236 and the inner surface of the upper portion 1222 of the jar 1203 may be overcome by a threshold pushing force applied upwardly to the bezel 1236 by the pan when the user's thumb or finger (or poking tool) pushes the pan upwardly out of the cavity 1230 in the manner described above to permit selective removal of the pan. The bezel 1236 may then be reused to again secure the same or different pan after replacement of the pan.

The lid 1204 is generally similar to the lid 140b described above in connection with FIG. 1 and the lid 4 described above in connection with FIGS. 4A-4B, except as otherwise described herein. For example, the lid 1204 may generally include an outer casing 1240 similar to outer casing 441 that may have a smooth or textured outer surface, which in some embodiments, may match the outer surface of the jar. The lid 1204 may further include a top casing 1242 similar to top casing 440, forming a covering over a neighboring attached jar and sealing the neighboring jar. The top casing 1242 may be domed, flat, or concave. The lid 1204 may further include a connecting means 1244 similar to connecting means 442 on an inner surface of the outer casing 1240. The inner surface 1246 of the top casing 1242 may hold, for example, applicators, tools, or a mirror, and in some embodiments, the inner surface 1246 of the top casing 1242 may provide a sealing means.

In some versions, the connecting means 1244 of the lid 1204 may be configured similarly to the connecting means 1226 of the jar 1203, and/or similarly to the connecting means 1152 of the lid 1104. Likewise, the connecting means 1224 of the jar 1203 may be configured similarly to the connecting means 1210 of the base 1202, and/or similarly to the connecting means 1110 of the base 1102. In this manner, each of the lids 1104, 1204 and/or a first jar 1203 may be interchangeably connected with any of the bases 1102, 1202 and/or a second jar 1203 to provide customizable modularity to either beauty system 1100, 1200. For example, the lid 1104 may replace the lid 1204 in the beauty system 1200. Any other suitable combinations of bases 1102, 1202, jars 1203, and/or lids 1104, 1204 may be used.

The figures described above generally include threads and grooves for connecting jars to jars, jars to lids or bases, and jars to pans by twisting or rotating the connectors together meshing the threads into the grooves. However, the “connecting means” described above may include any connector means such as clasps, clips, pressure fittings, and the like or any means for reversibly connecting the jars, pans, lids, and bases. hold cosmetics such as that are generally applied more moderately.

The jars, lid, and base may each have substantially the same outer diameter, such that the system forms a continuous shape such as a cylinder when fully assembled. For example, each of the jars, lid, and base may have an outer diameter of about 30 mm to about 55 mm, about 35 mm to about 50 mm, about 37 mm to about 47 mm, or any outer diameter encompassed by these example ranges. Each of the various jars encompassed by the system may have the same height, as measured from the top of the upper portion 311 to the bottom of the lower housing 312 (see FIG. 3) or each of the jars may have a different height. In general, the height of the jars may be about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm, about 1 cm to 7 cm, about 1 cm to 5 cm, or any height encompassed by these example ranges. In some embodiments, the height of each jar may depend on the contents of the jar. For example, a jar holding, for example, cheek/lip makeup, lip balm, concealer, or bronzer may have a height of about 1 cm to about 3 cm, and a jar holding, for example, lotion, shampoo, or other skincare or haircare compositions, may have a height of 3 cm to about 10 cm to provide sufficient space for enough product to allow for multiple uses.

Some embodiments are directed to a system including a lid, one or more of the various jars described above, and a base as described above. Each of the one or more jars, and in some embodiments the base, may hold skin care products and cosmetics such as balms, lotions, foundation, lipstick, rouge, lip balm, skin coloring agents, hair care product such as shampoo, conditioner, mouse, styling gel, wax, shaving cream, and the like and combinations thereof a. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more jars and the base may hold a different cosmetic or skin care composition, and in some embodiments, the one or more jars and base may hold a daily skin care regimen. For example, a jar may hold a cosmetic foundation, another jar may hold lipstick, and another jar may hold a rouge. The base may hold an applicator, a mirror, or in some embodiments, another cosmetic, for example, eye liner. A user may, therefore, carry an entire skin care/beauty system in a stack of jars that individually seals each component in the stack. The user need only remove the neighboring jar of the stack to access the cosmetic or skin care product and replace the neighboring jar to reseal the cosmetic or skin care product in its jar.

The applicator may be removably housed within the base. For example, an applicator such as a brush, puff, sponge, or the like, may be housed within the bases and concealed within the system. The user may disassemble the base, remove the applicator, use it to apply the cosmetics or skin care products in the various jars, and replace the applicator in the base when application is complete. In this way, the system may provide a complete cosmetics kit including applicators and mirrors.

In some embodiments, each of the lid, one or more jars, rings, and base may be the same color. In other embodiments, each of the lid, one or more jars, rings, and base may be a different color, and in certain embodiments, the one or more jars and base may be a similar color as the cosmetic held in the jar. For example, a red rouge may be contained within a red jar, and a beige foundation may be contained in a beige jar. In further embodiments, each of the one or more jars and the base may be colored based on the type of cosmetic or skin care product contained within the jar. For example, rouges may be contained in jars that are red, foundations may be contained in jars that are blue, and lip glosses may be contained in jars that are yellow. Such coloring may provide the user with visual identification of the contents of the jar without opening the jar, providing more efficient use.

Claims

1. A beauty system comprising, a lid operably connected to one of one or more jars containing a cosmetic and a base operably connected to one of the one or more jars.

2. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an applicator selected from the group consisting of a brush, a sponge, and combinations thereof.

3. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein the base contains a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition.

4. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more jars contains a skin care composition.

5. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases are the same color.

6. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more jars, lids, or bases are a different color.

7. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the jars may be a similar color to the cosmetic contained within.

8. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more jars hold about 0.1 ounces to about 10 ounces of a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition.

9. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a mirror.

10. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more jars and bases has an outer diameter of about 35 millimeters (mm) to about 50 mm.

11. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more jars has a height of about 1 centimeter (cm) to 5 cm.

12. The beauty system of claim 1, wherein the one or more jars have a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, cube, cone, prism, and combinations thereof.

13. The beauty system of claim 1, further comprising an insert or pan sized to be removably contained within one of the one or more jars and hold a cosmetic, skin care composition, or hair care composition.

14. The beauty system of claim 13, wherein the insert or pan is connected to the jar with screw threads, clasps, clips, pressure fittings, and combinations thereof.

15. The beauty system of claim 13, wherein the insert or pan has a flanged edge.

16. The beauty system of claim 13, wherein the insert or pan is plastic, metal, acrylic, nylon, or combinations thereof.

17. A storage device comprising two or more operably connected jars, each jar having an outer diameter of about 35 millimeters (mm) to about 50 mm, and a height of about 1 centimeter (cm) to 10 cm.

18. The device of claim 13, further comprising a base, a lid, or combination thereof, each of the base and lid having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the two or more jars.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the two or more jars contains a skin care composition.

20. The device of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more jars, lids, or bases are the same color.

21. The device of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more jars, lids, or bases are a different color.

22. The device of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more jars hold about 0.5 ounces to about 10 ounces.

23. The device of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more jars have a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, cube, cone, prism, and combinations thereof.