Patent Application
20070131680
The present application relates generally to the field of storage or container systems for storing one or more articles (e.g., cosmetic substances, applicators, accessories, etc.). The present application more specifically relates to systems or mechanisms (e.g., closer mechanisms, latch mechanisms, etc.) configured to move a container system to a closed or stowed position or retain a container system in such a position.
It is generally known to provide a container used for storing one or more cosmetic articles (e.g., cosmetic substances, applicators, accessories, etc.) or other articles such as tissues (e.g., wet, dry, etc.), jewelry, spectacles, foodstuff, or the like. Such known containers often include a base and a cover arranged in clamshell-like configuration (i.e., the cover is pivotally coupled to the base about a hinge). The base generally defines a cavity configured to store the one or more articles, while the cover is movably coupled to the base and configured to overlay and/or seal this cavity. Such known containers also typically include a latch mechanism to facilitate engaging and disengaging the cover and the base such that the cover will be secured to the base until the latch mechanism is selectively actuated by a user. Known latch mechanisms (e.g., push-buttons, clasps, levers, switches, handles, etc.) are generally provided on an outer surface of the container and located on a side opposite the hinge. Such a latch mechanism may interfere with the aesthetics of the container (e.g., by disrupting the continuity of the container's profile, etc.). In addition, a user may find it difficult to actuate such a latch mechanism. Further, such a latch mechanism may be expensive to manufacture or may occupy a substantial amount of space within the container thereby limiting the amount of space available for storing an article.
Thus there is a need for a container having a closer or latch mechanism that does not substantially interfere with the aesthetics of a container. There is also a need for a container having a closer or latch mechanism that is substantially concealed from the view of a user when the container is in an open position and/or when the container is in a closed position. There is further a need for a container having a nonintrusive closer or latch mechanism that can be installed efficiently via an automated assembly process. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a container capable of accomplishing any one or more of these or other needs.
An exemplary embodiment relates to a container. The container includes a base, a cover coupled to the base about a hinge, a resilient bar supported at one of the base and the cover, and a first cam surface supported at the other one of the base and the cover. The first cam surface is configured to engage the resilient bar when the cover has moved a predetermined angle relative to the base. The resilient bar acting on the first cam surface moves the cover to a closed position.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a cosmetic container. The cosmetic container includes a base, a deck supported by the base and defining at least one cavity for supporting a cosmetic article, and a cover coupled to the base about a hinge. The cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base. The cosmetic compact further includes a resilient member supported at one of the base and the cover and a first cam surface configured to engage the resilient member for moving the cover to the closed position. The deck conceals the resilient member within an interior of the container when the cover is in the open position.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a cosmetic compact. The cosmetic compact includes a container means, a cover means pivotable relative to the container means between an open position and a closed position, and a deck means for supporting a cosmetic article. The deck means is supported by the container means. The cosmetic compact further includes a biasing means supported at one of the container means and cover means and cam means supported at the other one of the container means and cover means. The cams means is configured to engage the biasing means for moving the cover means between the open position and the closed position. The deck means substantially conceals the biasing means when the cover means is in the open position.
a through 8c are cross-sectional views of a schematic drawings of the container system along a line 8-8 of
Referring generally to all the FIGURES, a storage or container system is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The container system (shown in
As illustrated in the FIGURES, the cover portion is coupled to the base portion about a hinge such that a user may selectively move (e.g., pivot, rotate, etc.) the cover portion relative to the base portion between a first or closed position (wherein the one or more articles provided therein is concealed as, shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, the closer mechanism functions to move the cover portion into the closed position during a closing operation after the cover portion has pivoted a predetermined angle relative to the base portion. As detailed below, the elements or components of the closer mechanism are substantially concealed (e.g., hidden, etc.) within the container system when the container system is in the closed position and/or the open position.
As further illustrated in the FIGURES, the closer mechanism generally comprises a resilient bar (e.g., biasing member, spring, spring wire, spring rod, pin, etc.) and one or more cam surfaces (e.g., a first or closing cam surface, a second or opening cam surface, etc.). The resilient bar is supported at one of the cover portion and the base portion, while the one or more cam surfaces are supported at the other of the cover portion and the base portion. The one or more cam surfaces are configured to engage (e.g., deflect, etc.) the resilient bar as the cover portion is moving between the open position and the closed position and/or between the closed position and the open position for assisting in the closing and/or opening of the cover portion respectively. Once in the open position and/or in the closed position, the one or more cam surfaces, acting on the resilient bar, may assist in retaining the cover portion in such a position until a force sufficient to overcome the force exerted by the resilient bar is applied to the cover portion.
Such a closer mechanism may advantageously improve the aesthetics of the container system by allowing the container to achieve a clean and/or elegant appearance (e.g., no distracting visible latch element such as push-buttons, clasps, levers, handles, etc.) when the container is in the closed position and/or open position. Such a closer mechanism may also simplify the closing and/or opening operation of the container system. Such a closer mechanism may also advantageously occupy a minimal amount of space within the container system thereby allowing the container system to support an increased amount of articles.
It should be noted at the outset that while the container system described herein will be described as a container configured to hold a cosmetic article, and particularly a cosmetic substance, the present invention has broad applicability to a variety of container systems. For example, the present invention may be suitable for with, but not limited to, container systems for holding jewelry, spectacles, foodstuff, or any other container system wherein it would be desirable to provide a relatively nonintrusive means for moving a cover portion into a closed position. Further, while the container system described herein is preferably sized to fit conveniently into a user's bag, purse, pocket, etc., the present invention is suitable for use with larger container systems.
Referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover portion 200 and the base portion 300 are formed of resins (plastic or otherwise), including, but not limited to, injection moldeable thermoplastic resin, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE). According to various alternative embodiments, other suitable materials or combinations materials may be used to form the cover portion 200 and the base portion 300 (e.g., metals, bimetals, composites, wood, etc.).
Referring to
The cover portion 200 further includes the end wall 202 that is orientated generally perpendicular to a central axis of the peripheral side wall 204. According to an exemplary embodiment, the end wall 202 and the peripheral side wall 204 are integrally formed as a single unitary body in a single mold by an injection molding operation to form the cover portion 200. According to various alternative embodiments, the end wall section may be coupled to the side wall section in any suitable manner (e.g., snap-fit, welding, etc.). Depending on various design criteria, the profile of the end wall 202 may vary. According to the embodiment illustrated, the end wall 202 is a substantially planar or flat surface. According to various alternative embodiments, the end wall 202 may include portions that are convex, concave, stepped, angled, sloped, etc.
The cover portion 200 defines a cavity 214 with the end wall 202 and the peripheral side wall 204. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 214 is sized to receive an accessory, such a mirror (not shown), coupled to the underside or inner surface of the end wall 202. The mirror may be coupled to the underside of the end wall 202 using any of variety of suitable techniques (e.g., mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.). According to another exemplary embodiment, the cavity 214 may be sized to receive an applicator (not shown) when the cover portion 200 is in the closed position that may be useful in applying a cosmetic substance stored within the base portion 300. For example, the cavity 214 may be sized to hold a cloth, sponge, pad, or the like suitable for applying a cosmetic substance (e.g., pressed powder, etc.).
Referring to
The base portion 300 further includes the end wall 302 that is orientated generally perpendicular to a central axis of the peripheral side wall 304. According to one exemplary embodiment, the end wall 302 and the peripheral side wall 304 are integrally formed as a single unitary body in a single mold by an injection molding operation to form the base portion 300. According to various alternative embodiments, the end wall section may be coupled to the side wall section in any suitable manner (e.g., snap-fit, welding, etc.). Depending on various design criteria, the profile of the end wall 302 may vary. According to the embodiment, the end wall 302 is a substantially planar or flat surface. According to various alternative embodiments, the end wall 202 may include portions that are convex, concave, stepped, angled, sloped, etc.
The peripheral side wall 304 and the end wall 302 cooperate to define an aperture 316 (e.g., cavity, receptacle, etc.) suitable for supporting a cosmetic article or for receiving a pan or deck that is suitable for supporting a cosmetic article. The size and shape of the aperture 316 may vary depending on a number of design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, the aperture 316 has a volume between approximately 1.0 cubic inch and approximately 8 cubic inches. According to various alternative embodiments, the aperture 316 may have a volume greater than or less than the range provided. Limiting the volume of the aperture 316 allows the overall size of the container 100 to be minimized, thereby allowing the container 100 to be conveniently carried or stowed in relatively size restricted areas (e.g., pockets, purses, backpacks, etc.) by the user. According various alternative embodiments, the aperture 316 may be divided into two or more compartments (e.g., storage wells, etc.) for separating multiple cosmetic articles.
Referring to
The cover portion 200 is pivotally coupled to the base portion 300 about a hinge, shown as a hinge mechanism 400. The hinge mechanism 400 functions to allow the cover portion 200 to be pivoted or rotated relative to the base portion between the closed position (shown in
Referring further to
To assist in the closing operation of the container 100 (i.e., the moving of the cover portion 200 from the open position to the closed position), and/or to secure the cover portion 200 relative to the base portion 300 when in the closed position, the closer mechanism 500 is provided. Still referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment, the spring element 502 is a substantially straight member having a first end 506 and a second end 508. The spring element 502 is shown as being supported by the base portion 300 adjacent to the rear wall 308 and the second sleeve 404 of the hinge mechanism 400. The first end 506 and the second end 508 are secured so that a portion of the spring element 502 between the first end 506 and the second end 508 will deflect when engaged by the first cam surface 204. According to the embodiment illustrated, a pair of channels 510 (e.g., grooves, recesses, etc.) defined by the base portion 300 are configure to receive the first end 506 and the second end 508. The channels 510 are configured to secure (e.g., cradle, support, latch, etc.) the first end 506 and the second end 508.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the spring element 502 is formed of metal. According to various alternative embodiments, the spring element 502 may be formed of any of a variety of suitable materials. For example, the spring element 502 may be formed of a resin or plastic, composites, spring wire, etc.
Insertion of the spring element 502 into the channels 510 at least partially restricts the first end 506 and the second end 508 from moving in a direction toward the front wall 306 of base portion 300 and substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the hinge mechanism 400 when the spring element 502 is engaged by the first cam surface 504. According to an exemplary embodiment, the spring element 502 is coupled to the base portion 300 by moving the spring element 502 from a position above the base portion 300 downward in a vertical direction into the channels 510. Such a configuration makes it relatively easy to have the spring element 502 installed on the base portion 300 using an automated assembly process.
Referring to
The first cam surface 504 and the second cam surface 514 are shown as being substantially linear surfaces. According to various alternative embodiments, the first cam surface 504 and the second cam surface 514 may include curvilinear portions depending on various design criteria. Separating the first cam surface 504 from the second cam surface 514 is a peak surface 516. The peak surface 516 is preferably rounded or otherwise curved to provide a relatively smooth transition between the first cam surface 504 and the second cam surface 514.
Referring back to
With reference to
The angle between the cover portion 200 and the base portion 300 at which the first cam surface 504 will engage the spring element 502 may vary depending on various design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cam surface 504 will first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 5 degrees relative to the base portion 300. According to a preferred embodiment, the first cam surface 504 will first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 20 degrees. According to various alternative embodiments, the first cam surface 504 may first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle greater than or less than the angles provided above.
When the peak surface 516 and the first cam surface 504 engage the spring element 502, the spring element 502 is deflected (shown in
The opening operation is substantially the inverse of the closing operation. A user selectively actuates the cover portion 200 by lifting up with a force sufficient to overcome the force exerted by the spring element 502 acting on the first cam surface 504. Once the cover portion 200 achieves a predetermined angle relative to the base portion 300, the peak surface 516 and subsequently the second surface 514 engage the spring element 502.
The angle between the cover portion 200 and the base portion 300 at which the second cam surface 514 will engage the spring element 502 may vary depending on various design criteria. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second cam surface 514 will first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 60 degrees relative to the base portion 300. According to a preferred embodiment, the second cam surface 514 will first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 30 degrees. According to various alternative embodiments, the second cam surface 514 may first engage the spring element 502 when the cover portion 200 is at an angle greater than or less than the angles provided above.
When the peak surface 516 and the second cam surface 514 engage the spring element 502, the spring element 502 is deflected. The spring element 502 acting on the second cam surface 514 creates an opening torque on the cover portion 200 thereby causing the cover portion 200 to move away the base portion 300 without further assistance by the user.
The container 1100 differs from the container 100 described above in that the cover portion 1200 and the base portion 1300 cooperate to provide a substantially round or circular container rather than a rectangular container as described above. The container 1100 also differs from the container 100 described above in that the spring element 1502 has a curvilinear or arcuate shape complimentary to the shape of the peripheral sidewall 1304 of the base portion 1300. The closing and opening operations of the container 1100 is substantially similar to that of the container 100.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the container systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Further, the container may be configured in a wide variety of shapes to accommodate varying design criteria. According to various alternative embodiments, the container may be configured into other sizes, as well as other well-known or otherwise suitable shapes having linear and/or nonlinear edges and surfaces. Further, for purposes of this disclosure the term “cosmetic substance” is used broadly to refer to any substance (e.g., press-powder, loss powder, cream, gel, liquid, wax, etc.) including, but not limited to lip gloss, eye shadow, face powder, etc. According to various other exemplary embodiments, the container may be configured to support a supplemental or secondary latch mechanism provided that the front of the container.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
