COSMETIC PALETTE AND GODETS THEREFOR

Abstract

A cosmetic palette including a palette base having a smooth surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom disposed on the smooth surface, and a patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the patch enabling the godet to be selectively positionable on the smooth surface, and wherein the force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater than that required to separate the patch from the smooth surface. The palette may have a plurality of cosmetic-containing godets with flat bottoms and a corresponding plurality of micro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to the bottoms of the godets and securing the godets to the smooth surface. The smooth surface may be a mirror surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cosmetic palette having a smooth surface with one or more cosmetic-containing godets removably secured thereon, and to godets for the palette. The godets are selectively positionable on the smooth surface and are interchangeable and replaceable.

In the art of cosmetic packaging, it is known to provide a cosmetic palette bearing, on a supporting surface, a plurality of small containers respectively holding different cosmetic materials such as pressed powders or other suitable cosmetic formulations. The palette may be a portable cosmetic compact case, including a rigid tray as the supporting surface and a hinged or other lid to cover and protect the cosmetic materials; the containers are open so that when the palette is exposed, the user can pick up quantities of the materials, e.g. with applicators, for delivery to areas of the face. These containers may be shallow, substantially flat-bottomed pans known as cosmetic godet pans (herein “godets”) attached to the support surface. Advantageously, they are removable and replaceable to enable the user to select particular cosmetics for inclusion on the palette and to resupply depleted cosmetics as well as to locate the selected godets on the supporting surface in any desired arrangement.

Heretofore, removable godets have typically been held on supporting surfaces of cosmetic palettes magnetically, or by small flexible hook-and-loop fasteners of the type commercially available under the trade name “VELCRO®” fasteners. Magnetic attachment of godets to the supporting surface requires the presence of a magnet in the palette and use of magnetic materials in the godets, while hook-and-loop fasteners require complete coverage of the support surface with hook- or loop-bearing fabric and patches of the complementary (i.e., loop- or hook-bearing) fabric on the bottom of each godet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic palette having removable, replaceable and selectively positionable godets without resort to magnetic or hook-and-loop attachment. Another object is to provide godets for such a palette.

To these and other ends, the present invention broadly embraces a cosmetic palette comprising a palette base having a smooth supporting surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom surface disposed on the palette base surface, and a piece of micro-suction fastener material sheet interposed between them, the fastener material sheet having at least one micro-suction surface attached to one of the smooth palette base surface and the godet bottom surface and also having an opposed major surface attached to the other of the smooth palette base surface and the godet bottom surface, such that the godet is removably secured to the smooth palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener material.

In important aspects, the invention is particularly directed to such a palette wherein the piece of micro-suction fastener material sheet is a patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the aforesaid one godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth palette base surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the smooth palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener material patch, enabling the godet to be selectively positioned at any desired location on the palette base surface, and wherein the force required to separate the fastener material patch from the godet is greater than the force (pull-off force) required to separate the fastener material patch from the smooth palette base surface. The palette may include a plurality of the cosmetic-containing godets and a corresponding plurality of micro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to the bottoms of the godets and removably securing the godets to the palette base surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing.

The base of the palette may be a substantially rigid panel or tray with a smooth inner supporting surface, and if the palette is a portable compact case, a lid may be hingedly or otherwise arranged to cover and protect the smooth surface together with the attached godet or godets when the palette is not being actively employed for application of cosmetics. Alternatively, the palette base may be a panel of relatively large size, with or without a lid or cover, e.g. for home use.

The term “micro-suction fastener material” is employed herein to refer to a generally sheet-like fastening product, thin and usually flexible, conveniently a plastic sheet and frequently though not necessarily in the form of a tape, having one surface that can be attached to an article (here, a godet) and an opposed surface (micro-suction surface) bearing a multiplicity of micro-suction cups for adherently securing the article (godet) to a smooth surface, for example a flat surface of a rigid panel or tray. Typically, the micro-suction fastening material (sometimes referred to as “nano-suction material) is of a polyurethane formulation with a major surface or surfaces having myriad randomly arranged tiny open bubbles constituting the micro-suction cups. The securing of the micro-suction fastener material surface to the smooth surface of the panel or tray is non-adhesive, in the sense that there is no adhesive composition between the micro-suction surface and the smooth surface, hence no adhesive residue left on the smooth surface when the fastener material is removed. Instead, compression of the micro-suction material displaces air from the cups. The resilient expansion of the polyurethane material creates a partial vacuum inside cups pressed against the smooth surface, removably adhering the material to the smooth surface. The material is removed from the surface by applying a force sufficient to break the vacuum. The micro-suction fastener material patch is attached, for example, by an adhesive substance such as a pressure sensitive double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of a chemical adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, or other techniques known in the field of the disclosure to the godet, directly or indirectly. The technique for attachment to the godet is selected such that the force required to separate the micro-suction fastener material from the godet is greater than the pull-off force which is effective to separate the micro-suction surface from the smooth surface of the palette; the strength of the pull-off force depends on the area of the micro-suction surface of the patch engaging the palette surface. To this end, the micro-suction fastener material tape may bear, on one of its major surfaces, a double-sided adhesive tape which adheres both to the micro-suction tape and to the godet more strongly than the exposed micro-suction surface adheres to the smooth surface of the palette base; such combined micro-suction and double-sided adhesive tapes are currently commercially available.

The fastener material patch can be re-used repeatedly for re-attaching its associated godet to a smooth surface of a palette base, or to another surface as mentioned below; when separated from such a surface, it leaves no residue, and its adherent property can be restored, if and when necessary, by cleaning the micro-suction surface.

The invention in particular embodiments contemplates a palette as described above wherein the pallet base comprises a mirror and the smooth surface is a mirror surface. The (or each) godet is secured by a micro-suction fastener material patch to this mirror surface. The palette or compact may have plural mirrored surfaces giving users multiple perspectives and flexibility in applying cosmetics from the palette. In addition to the godet(s), tools (such as magnifying mirrors of various levels, applicators, pencils, lights and internal compartments) may be provided on the palette and may also be attached to the smooth surface of the palette base by patches of micro-suction fastener material.

Each godet may have a micro-suction fastener material patch covering a selected bottom portion of the godet and having a micro-suction surface area, for attachment to the smooth surface of the palette base, selected to provide a predetermined pull-off force. According to some embodiments, the patch does not extend outwardly beyond the periphery of the godet bottom. In addition, each godet may include a removable (e.g. peelable) individual protective lid for initially protecting the cosmetic material contained in the godet; the removable protective godet lid, which may be a cardboard or plastic layer adhered to the lip of the godet (by ultrasonic welding, for example), enables the user to firmly press the center of the godet to affix it to the palette/compact smooth surface without touching the cosmetic (at least in the first instance). Once the godet is affixed to the palette/compact, the protective lid is peeled from the godet, exposing the cosmetic material. The micro-suction securing force (pull-off force) between the godet and the palette/compact is made greater than the force required to peel the protective lid from the godet, the strength of this securing force being adjusted by appropriate selection of the micro-suction fastener material patch surface area.

The micro-suction fastener material patch for the (or each) godet may have any of a variety of configurations, including, for example, a circle, an annular ring, a half-circle, and the like. According to one embodiment, the patch is shaped to conform to the periphery of a round godet. The patch is adhered to the godet during the manufacturing process (conveniently after the godet is filled and sealed, so as to prevent cosmetic powder from contaminating the micro-suction surface of the patch). The micro-suction patch may in some embodiments constitute a part of a label assembly including a printed label such that information (for instance, to identify the particular cosmetic contained in the godet) can be displayed on the godet surface. As an alternative to an annular, circular, or semicircular patch, other shapes (e.g. a star shape) may be used. The micro-suction patch may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, allowing features of the godet and/or of the printed label to be visible beneath the patch.

Specific embodiments of the invention employ a half-disc of micro-suction fastener material covering only half of the godet bottom. This arrangement provides satisfactory securing of the godet to the palette surface, and facilitates removal of the godet from the palette when desired; when the user presses down on the side of the godet that does not have the half-disc, the godet acts like a lever releasing the half-disc from the palette. Alternatively, a selected portion of the exposed micro-suction surface of a patch of micro-suction fastener material applied to a godet may be laser-etched to render it non-adherent to a palette bottom surface, again to facilitate manual separation of a godet from the palette. In addition to modifying the adhesive properties of the micro-suction patch, laser etching may also be used to add text, logos, graphics, and other decorative artwork to the patch and other areas of the godet.

A number of advantages result from applying the micro-suction fastener material patch to the godets, as opposed to providing a micro-suction fastener material extending over and adhesively attached to the smooth supporting surface of the palette. In the present invention, the fastener material is replaced each time the godet is replaced. Since the securing strength of the micro-suction material diminishes as dirt, dust, and other materials (including powdered cosmetic material) accumulate on the surface, provision of the micro-suction material fastener patch on the godet assures the user of a fresh micro-suction fastener with each replacement. Also, the micro-suction surface can be cleaned and restored; thus, by providing the fastener patch on the removable godet, the user can clean the patch separately from the palette as opposed to cleaning the whole palette surface. In addition, the location of the micro-suction surface beneath the godet protects it from exposure to loose cosmetic powder. If the micro-suction surface covered the smooth surface of the palette, powder falling on the exposed micro-suction surface would eventually render that part of the surface non-adherent, just as in hook-and-loop attachment of godets to a palette, the hook or loop fabric covering the supporting surface of the palette, being exposed, becomes contaminated and requires cleaning.

Owing to the attachment of the micro-suction fastener material patch to the godet such that the force required to separate the fastener material patch from the godet is greater than the force required to separate the fastener material patch from the smooth palette base surface, the fastener patch does not separate from the godet when the godet is manually repositioned on or removed from the smooth palette surface by a user; hence the nuisance of having to separately remove a fastener patch from the latter surface is avoided, and the godet retains its fastener patch so that it can be returned to or relocated on the smooth palette surface. The retained fastener patch also enables the godet to be secured to a different palette, or to other smooth surfaces such as countertops or the like which themselves have no means for securing the godet. Thus, the godets tend to stay put when set down on a countertop or other surface (outside the palette) and are less likely to be accidentally knocked off a counter. Neither magnetic attachment nor hook-and-loop attachment affords this advantage unless the countertop itself happens to be ferromagnetic or has a corresponding hook or loop surface.

The present invention has additional advantages over palettes/compacts that use magnetic materials to removably attach godets. In the palette of the invention, a wide range of materials can be used to form the godet (e.g. aluminum, plastic, cardboard, glass). With magnetic attachment, the godet must either be made from a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel or a magnetized material) or a separate magnetic insert needs to be provided. By using a wider range of godet materials, the godet material can be selected based on other factors such as chemical compatibility with the cosmetic, ease of manufacture, price, etc. Magnets are also ecologically undesirable, sometimes requiring mined materials (e.g. cobalt). The manufacture of steel godets involves energy intensive processes.

The invention provides further advantages relative to hook-and-loop attachment of godets to a palette/compact. The hook and loop material adds significant thickness to the assembly. Typical hook-and-loop layers add 3-4 mm of thickness to the assembly. Micro-suction layers can be as thin as 0.3 mm-0.5 mm, providing a thinner, more aesthetically appealing structure.

Godets according to the invention can be adhered to any smooth surface, such as a user's vanity mirror, car dashboard, countertop, etc. The same godet can be used with a variety of palettes/compacts. In one example, the user may have a large palette for home use holding many godets with cosmetics for a number of occasions (e.g. everyday make-up, make-up for formal occasions, etc.), and one or more other more portable palettes/compacts including a “mono” compact that holds only one or a limited number of godets for the user to carry during the day.

In a further particular aspect, the invention contemplates the provision of a cosmetic palette comprising a palette base having a smooth supporting surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom disposed on the palette base surface, and a patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the aforesaid one godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the palette base surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener material patch, enabling the godet to be selectively positioned on the palette base surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing, and wherein the smooth palette base surface is a mirror. Additional features of the palette may include other make-up mirrors (e.g. a magnifying mirror), lighting for the compact case or a “godet” that is itself a battery powered light.

In another aspect, the invention embraces a palette of such type wherein the micro-suction fastener material patch covers only a portion of the facing surfaces of the godet and the palette/compact, with the area of the patch being selected to adjust the pull-off force, and the godet has a removable protective lid with a removal force such that the pull-off force of the micro-suction surface is greater than the removal force of the lid but low enough to allow the user to conveniently remove and replace the godet.

The invention additionally contemplates provision of a compact/palette system including a number of compacts, each having a smooth inner surface for holding one or more godets, and a plurality of godets selectively applied to the compacts.

It is also possible to provide a continuous sheet of micro-suction fastener material secured to and extending over the entire smooth base surface of the palette, and to removably mount godets (themselves having no patches of micro-suction fastener material) thereon by simply pressing them against the sheet.

According to further aspects of the disclosure, a godet package is provided to protect the godet and to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance, for example, when the godet is displayed for sale. The package includes a lid that can be opened to remove the godet and a smooth inner surface arranged so that, when the godet is positioned in the package, the micro-suction patch engages the smooth surface to releasably hold the godet within the package. Because the micro-suction patch material can be connected and reconnected with smooth surfaces repeatedly, the godet can be returned to the package and securely affixed to the smooth surface. According to a still further aspect, the godet package is provided with an opening through the smooth surface to allow a user to apply force to the bottom of the godet, for example, with a fingertip, to separate the micro-suction patch from the smooth surface so that the godet can be easily removed from the package.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description hereinbelow set forth, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic palette embodying the present invention in a particular form, open and partly exploded to show two godets (one inverted) outside but mountable in the palette;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cosmetic palette of FIG. 1 with the lid closed;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational sectional view of the same palette, showing one godet mounted therein;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 3 within circle B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is an exploded schematic side view of an example of a multilayer assembly including a label and a patch of micro-suction fastener material for application to the bottom of a godet for the palette of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of elements of the assembly of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective views illustrating successive steps in mounting the assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B on a godet for the palette of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are perspective views of the godet of FIG. 1, open, illustrating successive steps in mounting a godet within the palette;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in which the godets (one being shown inverted) each bear a patch of micro-suction material on only one-half of their bottom surfaces;

FIGS. 8B, 8C and 8D are enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational views illustrating successive steps in the mounting and removal of godets in the embodiment of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a godet according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 plan view of the bottom surface of a godet according to a further embodiment of the disclosure showing laser etching to modify the appearance of the godet and to modify the adhesive properties of micro-suction material on the godet;

FIG. 11 shows a jar for holding liquid and semiliquid materials that can be removably attached to a palette according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a light source that can be removably attached to a palette according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a tool holder that can be removably attached to a palette according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package for holding and protecting a godet according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 includes a cosmetic palette case in the form of a compact 10, for example rectangular in plan, comprising a base 11 and a lid 12 connected by a hinge 14, with a latch 16 opposite the hinge for releasably holding the compact closed. Each of the lid and base may conveniently be an integrally molded plastic element. The base 11 is a generally rigid tray having an extended smooth, bare, planar inner supporting surface 18 surrounded on all four sides by a rim 20 defining a well within which the surface 18 is situated. Other palette/compact configurations also providing a smooth flat supporting surface are embraced as well by the invention.

The surface 18 may be the inner surface of the molded plastic base itself, or (as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4) may be a surface of a planar element, such as a mirror or like specularly reflective coating or member 19, mounted on and covering the plastic base inner surface within the well. When the compact is open and the user looks into the well, the mirror reflects toward the user, to assist in the application of cosmetics.

The compact or palette case 10 in this embodiment is dimensioned to receive a plurality of individual godets 22 each holding a quantity 24 of a cosmetic material, illustratively (but, in the broader aspects of the invention, not limited to) a pressed powder or the like. Conveniently and desirably, when the palette contains more than one godet, the different godets included therein respectively contain different cosmetic materials.

Each of the godets 22 is a small open-topped container 28, shown as a shallow circular cup or pan having a generally flat bottom 30 that conforms to the flat smooth supporting surface 18 of the tray 20. By way of example, the godets are shown as identical in dimensions and configuration, and of such a diameter that five, six or more fit easily in the tray 10 with spaces between them and may be arranged therein in any way desired by a particular user. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited as to the size, shape, number and variety of godets included in a palette.

The godets may be made of a wide range of materials (including, without limitation, aluminum or other metals, plastic, cardboard and glass), selected in accordance with such factors as chemical compatibility with the contained cosmetic material, ease of manufacture, and cost, provided that the godets are sufficiently self-sustaining in structure to serve their cosmetic-holding function during storage and use.

Three of the godets 22 shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on the smooth supporting surface 18, and a fourth (outside the compact) is similarly oriented for such mounting, with its bottom facing the surface 18. A fifth godet, designated 22a and also outside the compact, is inverted to show its bottom 30, to which is attached a fastener material patch 32 of annular configuration concentric with and just inside the periphery of the godet bottom. Each of the other godets bears a similar fastening material patch on its bottom, not visible in FIG. 1.

The fastener material patch 32 is a patch of a micro-suction fastening material, such as (for example) a tape commercially available under the trade name “wgo® Universal tape,” which comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that (as best seen in FIG. 4) creates on at least one side of the tape a micro-suction or nano-suction surface 34, constituted, in effect, of millions of microscopic suction cups packed tightly so as to feel like a smooth plastic surface. The other major surface of the tape, designated 36, may also be a micro-suction surface or may bear an adhesive composition. In each godet in the assembled palette 10, the attachment surface 36 of the associated fastener material patch 32 is directly or indirectly attached to the godet bottom 30, while the micro-suction surface 34 (oriented to face away from the godet) engages the smooth surface 18 of the palette and removably secures the godet thereto by micro-suction.

Advantageously, the fastener material patch of each godet is effectively permanently attached to the godet bottom, in that the force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater than the pull-off force required to remove the godet from the palette surface 18; i.e., the adhering force holding the patch to the godet is greater than the micro-suction pull-off force securing the micro-suction surface 34 of the patch to the smooth palette surface. To achieve this relationship of adhering forces, for example, an adhesive composition which adheres the patch to the godet bottom with a force greater than the pull-off force may be provided on the patch surface 36. The strength of the pull-off force is dependent on the area of engagement between the micro-suction surface of the patch and the smooth palette surface and may thus be determined by appropriate selection of the patch micro-suction surface area.

A user, having selected a godet or godets for inclusion in the compact/palette 10, mounts each godet therein by manually pressing the godet against the smooth palette surface 18 (with the exposed micro-suction surface 34 of the fastener patch 32 of the godet facing the surface 18), thereby easily and stably securing the godet to the latter surface. Within the limits of the area of the surface 18, any number of godets, in any desired arrangement, may be so disposed. The lid 12 is latched shut to cover and protect the open godets while the compact is carried or stored; when the lid is opened, the contained cosmetics, in their respective godets, are accessible for application to the user's face. Godets can be removed, repositioned, replaced or added as the user wishes, or moved from one palette (such as a large open palette on a user's dressing table at home) to another (such as the portable compact 10). Any godet placed on a countertop or other smooth surface outside the palette will be secured to that surface by the micro-suction surface of its fastener patch 30. Upon separation of a godet from any smooth surface to which it has been secured, no residue is left on the surface, because the godet is adhered only by micro-suction and not by any adhesive composition.

The micro-suction fastener material patch 32 may form part of a label assembly such that information (e.g., identifying and/or describing the cosmetic material contained in the godet) can be displayed on the godet surface. One illustrative example of such an assembly, designated 31, is shown in FIGS. 5A-6C, wherein the patch 32 is annular, with an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the bottom 30 of the godet 22 on which the assembly is mounted. The assembly 31 is constituted of a plurality of sheets, films or layers shown in exploded view in FIG. 5A. Stated with reference to the orientation of FIG. 5A, this assembly includes a removable backing sheet 33 at the bottom, above which is a label 38 bearing printed legends (artwork) 38a located in the central portion of its upwardly-facing surface so as to be visible in the central opening of patch 32. The downwardly-facing surface of label 38 is provided with a layer of permanent adhesive 38b; by “permanent adhesive” is meant an adhesive which will adhere the label to the godet bottom with a force greater than the above-defined pull-off force required to separate the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32 from the smooth palette surface. Above the label (as seen in FIG. 5A) is a film 35, e.g. a tape having on each side a permanent adhesive (again, an adhesive which will adhere the label 38 to the downwardly facing surface 36 of the patch 32 with a force greater than the aforesaid pull-off force); and above the film 35 is the patch 32, having its micro-suction surface 34 facing upwardly. Finally, above and covering the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32 is a protective layer of peel-away clear film 39 for preventing premature adherence of the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32. In this embodiment, layers 35, 38, and 38b form a joining layer that joins patch 32 to the bottom surface of the godet.

FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded perspective view again showing the order, in assembly 31, of the backing sheet 33, label 38, micro-suction material patch 32 and peel-away film 39. These elements are put together as a unit 31a (FIG. 6A) in this order on the backing sheet, which prevents premature adhesion of the permanent adhesive 38b (both adhesive layer 38b and the adhesive of film 35 may be pressure-sensitive adhesives). For mounting the unit 31a on the bottom surface 30 of a cosmetic-filled godet 22, the godet is inverted, the backing sheet 33 is peeled off the adhesive layer 38b and the unit 31a (that is, unit 31 with backing sheet 33 removed) is placed (arrow 43, FIG. 6B) on the godet with adhesive layer 38b facing and pressed against the godet bottom. The godet is now ready for mounting on a smooth palette surface, after the peel-away film 39 is removed from the patch 32 to expose micro-suction surface 34 (FIG. 6C).

In this instance the micro-suction fastener material patch is attached indirectly to the godet bottom, viz., by adhesive attachment of the patch to the label and adhesive attachment of the label to the godet bottom, but this indirect attachment of the patch to the godet is made effectively permanent as described above, by providing both patch-to-label and label-to-godet adherence such that the force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater than the pull-off force required to remove the godet from the palette surface 18.

Each godet 22, after being filled with cosmetic material (and before the label and micro-suction patch are applied to its bottom as just described), may be provided with a removable protective lid or cover 44 (FIGS. 7A-7D), such as a cardboard or plastic layer adhered to the lip of the godet e.g. by ultrasonic welding. This cover is intended to remain in place until the ultimate purchaser (user) initially mounts the godet on the smooth surface 18 of a compact 10 or other palette. Owing to the presence of the cover, the user can affix the godet to the palette by pushing the top 46 of cover 44 to press the micro-suction surface 34 (after removal of the aforementioned protective film) against the surface 18. FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a godet 22b, with cover 44 in place, being moved into a chosen position for mounting on surface 18. After the godet is secured to the palette surface, the cover is easily broken and bent hingedly upward (FIG. 7C) and is peeled away (FIG. 8D) leaving the godet attached to the palette. The force adhering the cover 44 to the godet, and the area of the patch micro-suction surface 34 attaching the godet to the palette surface 18, are mutually selected such that the pull-off force required to remove the godet from the surface 18 is greater than the force required to peel the protective lid from the godet.

FIG. 8A illustrates a palette 50, similar to the palette case 10 of FIG. 1, having a plurality of godets 53 similar to the godets 22 of FIG. 1 but each having a patch of micro-suction fastener material in the form of a half-disc 54 covering only one-half of the godet bottom surface, as will be apparent from the inverted one of the godets separated from the case 10. As shown in FIG. 8B, each godet is mounted on the smooth base surface 56 of the palette case by being pressed down on the surface with the half-disc 54 facing and ultimately engaging surface 56. Each godet is thereby secured to the palette case (FIG. 8C). To remove a godet from the palette, a user presses down on the side of the godet which does not bear the half-disc, causing the godet to tilt sufficiently to release the half-disc from the palette surface (FIG. 8D).

According to an alternative embodiment, palette 10 includes a planar inner surface 18 that is covered or partially covered with a sheet of micro-suction material 32. The sheet of material is adhered to the surface of the palette using a chemical adhesive, adhesive tape, ultrasonic welding, or other technique known in the field of the disclosure. One or more godets 22 with smooth bottom surfaces 30 are removably adhere to the sheet of material 32.

According to some embodiments, only a portion of the bottom surface of the godet 22 is shaped to adhere to the micro-suction material. FIG. 9 shows a godet 22 with a bottom surface 50 facing upward. The bottom surface 50 includes a raised annular ring surface 54 and a recessed central region surface 52. When connected with micro-suction material 32 attached to the inner surface 18 of the palette, only the raised surface 54 contacts material 32. The pull-off force depends on the area of ring 54. By adjusting the area of ring 54, the pull off force can be adjusted to allow the godet 22 to be securely connected with the palette and conveniently removable and repostionable by the user. The disclosure is not limited to godets with a raised annular ring 54. Other shaped raised areas are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition to godets 22, other objects, such as brushes, pencils, and other tools used to apply cosmetics may be adhered to the sheet of material, provided those objects include a smooth flat surface.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a godet 22 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. A label 38 is affixed to the bottom surface of the godet. An annular ring of micro-suction material 32 is provided on the label, using, for example, the technique discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Text, logos, graphic designs, and other artwork 38a and 38b are applied using laser etching to the label 38 as well as to the micro-suction material 32. For some applications, applying artwork using laser etching instead of, or in addition to, printing such artwork may be preferred. For example, when generic godets are assembled to receive a variety of cosmetic materials, laser etched artwork may be used to customize the godets to indicate the contents after generic godets have been filled.

Laser etching may also be used to modify the adhesive properties of the micro-suction material 32. The micro-suction material 32 may be etched to reduce or eliminate the micro-suction properties to create non-adhesive portions 60. The size and configuration of the non-adhesive portions is selected to adjust the amount of force required to detach the godet from a surface, such as surface 18 of compact 10, shown in FIG. 1.

Objects other than godets may be removably connected with surface 18 using micro-suction material. FIG. 11 shows an accessory such as a jar 70 or other functional structure for holding liquid or semi-liquid materials, such as creams, ointments, and emulsions. Jar 70 includes jar body 72 and removable cap 74. Cap 74 may removably connect with jar body 72 by a threaded engagement (a screw-top), a snap-on lid, or other structures known in the field of the disclosure. The bottom portion of the jar forms a base 73 with a flat bottom surface 71. A patch of micro-suction material 32 is applied to the bottom surface 71 of jar 70 in a manner disclosed in the previous embodiments. When jar 70 is fixed to a supporting surface, such as surface 18, micro-suction patch 32 holds the jar securely to the surface while torque or other forces required to open and close the jar are applied to lid 74.

FIG. 12 shows an accessory, such as a battery-powered light source 80, adapted to be used with the palette according to embodiments of the disclosure. Reflector assembly 82 houses a light bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent tube, or the like for generating visible light. The reflector assembly 82 is supported by a flexible stalk 84. Stalk 84 may be a “goose neck” that allows the user to reposition the reflector and to hold the reflector at a selected position and angle. A base 86 provides a platform for stalk 84. Base 86 has a flat bottom surface 81. Housed within base 86 is a power source 88, such as a rechargeable battery. A charging port 89, for example, a mini-USB connector may be provided to deliver recharging current to power source 88. Power source 88 delivers current to the light source in reflector assembly 82 through wires inside of stalk 84. A patch of micro-adhesive material 32 on the flat bottom surface 81 of base 86 removably connects assembly 80 to surface 18 or to another smooth surface. In this embodiment the reflector assembly 82 forms a functional structure for illumination that can be positioned by stalk 84. Other functional structures, such a mirror, could also be provided.

FIG. 13 shows another accessory, a tool holder 90 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Tool holder 90 includes a base 91 with a flat bottom surface 93. On the top surface of base 91 cavities, grooves, snaps, clips, or other functional structures 92a, 92b, 92c are provided for holding and supporting tools, such as brushes, cosmetic pencils, tweezers, and the like that can be used along with cosmetics and other materials contained in godets held on the palette according to embodiments of the disclosure. A patch of micro-suction material 32 is provided on the bottom surface 93 of tool holder 90. Tool holder 90 may also include one or more embedded magnets 94. The magnets are adapted to secure tools that are made from, or include, ferromagnetic materials to the tool holder 90.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package 100 for a godet 22 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. Package 100 includes a package body 101 and reclosable lid 102. Lid 102 is connected with body 101 by a hinge. A snap fit engagement, not shown, holds lid 102 closed over the top of body 101. Alternatively, instead of a hinged arrangement, the lid 102 may be a screw-top that engages the body 101 by inter-engaging threads or may form an interference or snap-fit with body 101.

Cavity 104 formed within body 101 is sized and shaped to hold godet 22. As shown in FIG. 14B, a patch 32 of micro-suction material is provided as an annular ring on the bottom surface of godet 22. The bottom surface of cavity 104 is smooth. When godet 22 is pressed into cavity 104, as shown in FIG. 14A, micro-suction patch 32 engages with the smooth bottom of cavity 104, securing godet 22 within package 100.

Opening 106 is provided through the bottom wall 106 of body 101 into cavity 104. Opening 106 allows a user to provide a force, F, against the bottom surface of godet 22, for example, using a fingertip, to push the godet away from the bottom of cavity 104. This force breaks the connection formed by patch 32 on the godet and the bottom of the cavity 104. As shown in FIG. 14B, the godet 22 is thus removed from package 100. Godet 22 may then be connected with a smooth surface, such as surface 18 of compact 10, as described in the previous embodiments.

Godet 22 may be reinserted in package 100 and force may be applied to the top of the godet to re-engage patch 32 with the bottom of cavity 104 to securely hold the godet in the package.

According to a further embodiment, package 100 does not include opening 106. Instead, the bottom surface of cavity 104 is continuous. Cavity 104 is sized to provide sufficient clearance from the sides of godet 22 so that the godet can be grasped by the user and pulled from the package.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the features and embodiments hereinabove specifically set forth but may be carried out in other ways without departure from its spirit.

Claims

1. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette base having a smooth supporting surface;at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom disposed on the supporting surface; anda patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of said one godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the supporting surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the supporting surface by micro-suction provided by the fastener material patch, and wherein an adhesive force required to separate the fastener material patch from the godet is greater than a pull-off force required to separate the fastener material patch from the smooth supporting surface.

2. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, comprising a plurality of cosmetic containing godets with flat bottoms and a corresponding plurality of micro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to the bottoms of the godets and securing the godets to the supporting surface.

3. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the smooth supporting surface of the palette comprises one or more mirrors.

4. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the micro-suction fastener material patch covers only a portion of the facing surfaces of the godet and the supporting surface, with the area of the patch being selected to adjust the pull-off force.

5. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the adhesive properties of one or more areas of the micro-suction fastener material are reduced or eliminated by laser etching.

6. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the godet further comprises a protective lid, wherein the protective lid is removably attached with the godet and wherein a removal force of the protective lid is less than the pull-off force.

7. The cosmetic palette of claim 6, wherein the protective lid is attached with the godet by ultrasonic welding.

8. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the patch covers less than the whole of the flat bottom, wherein the patch has a thickness, wherein a portion of the flat bottom not covered by the patch is separated from the supporting surface by the thickness, and wherein a force applied on the godet opposite the portion of the flat bottom not covered by the patch leverages the patch away from the supporting surface.

9. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, further comprising an accessory, wherein the accessory comprises: a base;a functional structure on an upper part of the base; anda flat bottom surface on a bottom of the base; anda further patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the base and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the supporting surface.

10. The cosmetic palette of claim 9, wherein the accessory is a light source, a tool holder, or a jar adapted to contain a liquid or semi-liquid material.

11. A godet for holding a cosmetic material comprising: a container, including a planar bottom surface;a patch of micro-suction fastener material comprising an attachment surface and a micro-suction surface, the micro-suction surface adapted to engage a smooth supporting surface; anda joining layer comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is affixed to the planar bottom surface and the second side is affixed to the attachment surface, wherein the joining layer connects the micro-suction material patch to the planar bottom surface, wherein a peel force is required to separate the planar bottom surface from the patch, and wherein an area of the micro-suction surface is selected such that a pull-off force required to remove the godet from the smooth supporting surface is less than the peel force.

12. The godet of claim 11, wherein the joining layer comprises one or more of a chemical adhesive, an adhesive tape, an ultrasonic weld, and a label.

13. The godet of claim 11, wherein the bottom planar surface is circular and the patch is an annular ring concentric with the circular surface.

14. The godet of claim 11, wherein a portion of the area of the micro-suction surface is laser-etched.

15. The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective lid disposed over an opening of the container opposite the bottom surface, wherein the protective lid is removeable from the container by applying a removal force and wherein the removal force is less than the pull-off force.

16. The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective layer disposed on the micro-suction surface, wherein the protective layer seals the micro-suction surface and wherein the protective layer is adapted to be peeled from the micro-suction surface to allow the micro-suction surface to engage the smooth supporting surface.

17. The godet of claim 11, wherein the container is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material.

18. The godet of claim 11, further comprising an outer packaging, the outer packaging comprising a package body and a package lid, wherein the package body comprises a cavity shaped to hold the container, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the cavity is smooth, and wherein the micro-suction surface engages with the bottom surface of the cavity to hold the godet in the cavity.

19. The godet of claim 18, wherein the outer package further comprises an opening through a bottom wall of the package body, wherein a bottom face of the godet is accessible through the opening and wherein pressure applied to the bottom face through the opening disengages the micro-suction surface from the bottom surface of the cavity.

20. A compact system including a plurality of compacts, each having a smooth supporting surface for holding one or more of the godets of claim 11.

21. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette base having a planar supporting surface;at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a smooth flat bottom disposed on the palette base surface; anda sheet of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the planar supporting surface and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth flat bottom of the godet, wherein the sheet at least partially covers the supporting surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the micro-suction surface of the fastener material sheet, and wherein an adhesive force required to separate the fastener material sheet from the supporting surface is greater than a pull-off force required to separate the smooth bottom surface of the godet from the micro-suction surface.

22. The cosmetic palette of claim 21, wherein the bottom surface of the godet comprises at least one raised smooth surface and at least one recessed surface, wherein the raised smooth surface contacts the micro-suction surface to secure the godet.