DOUBLE FOLD COMPACT

Abstract

A cosmetic compact container having a folding lid with a mirror on the folding lid. The compact includes a base and first and section lid sections. One of the two lid sections may include a mirror. An example may enable a user to view the mirror both in the closed and open configuration. Another example may include a particular opening configuration in which the lid is biased to close during a first stage of opening and, after reaching a selected “amount” of opening, the lid is biased to finish opening. Such biasing may be accomplished without the use of a spring.

Description

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a compact container and lid assembly, and in particular, to a compact container having a folding lid. In particular embodiments, the compact container having the folding lid is a container adapted for cosmetics, such as eyeshadow, blush, foundation, powdered products, mascara, lip gloss, and the like, as well as cosmetics applicators such as brushes, sponges, and the like

BACKGROUND

Vessels exist that are portable, convenient to use, and designed to contain products, such as cosmetics, for use. For example, a cosmetic compact may include a base and a lid assembly, which when assembled together provide an effective container for housing and presenting a variety of products. The base and/or lid are typically made of a glass, a plastic, a metal, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. When the vessels are opened, products within the vessels may be accessed. Although portable vessels exist, there is a continuing need for more and different vessels and opening mechanisms. Particularly, there is a continuing need for containers for cosmetics that facilitate quick and easy access to products.

SUMMARY

In an illustrative embodiment, a cosmetic compact includes a double folding lid. A mirror is placed on at least one section of the double folding lid. The illustrative compact is configured to open from a closed position to a fully open position with the mirror directed toward a user throughout the movement. More particularly, the cosmetic compact comprises a base for holding cosmetic products in one or more wells or other structures, and the lid opens from a first end toward a second end. A portion of the lid folds upward, causing the mirror to face the user as the folding lid opens. A user opening the cosmetic compact folding lid in a direction away from the user would have the mirror generally continuously directed toward the user.

In some embodiments, the lid may be configured such that as it opens, it is initially biased to close of its own weight and, upon reaching a select angle of opening, becomes biased to fully open itself. Such biasing may be augmented in some examples with spring biasing. However, in other examples, no spring bias is provided, and the design biases toward open or shut lid positions based on geometry and weight, without the added complexity of spring biasing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic compact having a folding lid and mirror, with the lid closed;

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

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 showing a mirror, first lid piece, base, and second lid piece, arranged to show the interior surface of each;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side of the base of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the base of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows interaction of the post of the first lid portion with the groove of the base;

FIG. 7 is an isolation view of one of the lid sections of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of the assembled cosmetic compact of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 with the lid partly open;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 with the lid all the way open;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example of cosmetic compact having a folding lid and mirror, with the lid closed;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 showing a mirror, first lid piece, second lid piece, an insert, and a base;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the first lid piece removed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with both the first and second lid pieces removed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bottom surfaces of the first and second lid pieces;

FIG. 16 shows interaction of the first lid portion with the groove of the base;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the lid partly open; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the lid all the way open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic compact having a folding lid and mirror, with the lid closed. The cosmetic compact 10 includes a base 20 on which a first lid section 40 and a second lid section 60 lie. The first lid section 40 includes a mirror 50 that is visible when the lid is closed, as shown by FIG. 1.

The overall structure defines three pivots shown at 90, 92, 94. A rear pivot 90 couples the second lid section 60 to the base 20. The center pivot 92 couples the first lid section 40 to the second lid section 60. The front pivot 94 couples the first lid section 40 to the base 20. The rear pivot 90 is fixed relative to the base 20, however, the center pivot 92 and front pivot 94 move relative to the base as shown below in FIGS. 9 and 10 as the lid is opened. Any suitable materials may be used for the various parts shown and the mirror. For example, glass, thermoplastics, thermoset materials, metals, ceramics, and/or natural materials (wood, stone, etc.) maybe used in the design.

In some embodiments shown below, mirror 50 is a separate glass item or a polished metal that is secured onto the first lid section 40. A sticker may be used as the mirror 50. In some other examples, the first lid section may be formed of or may include a section formed of reflective metal that can be polished to serve as a mirror, or a section of reflective material may be made by, for example, vacuum metallization or electroplating.

FIG. 2 is side view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 with the lid closed. The base 20 includes a first opening shown at 24. In other examples, the first opening 24 is not visible from the outside view and would only be seen on an inner side. The first opening 24 defines the rear pivot 90, at which the second lid section 60 is pivotably coupled to the base 20.

The center pivot 92 is approximately at the point shown in FIG. 2, coupling together the first lid section 40 and second lid section 60. The center pivot 92 moves up and back relative to the base 20 as the lid is opened, as shown by FIGS. 9 and 10, below. The front pivot 94 is shown as being at the bottom of the first lid section 40 resting atop an edge (shown below in FIG. 4) on the base 20. The front pivot 94 moves as a post on the first lid section 40 slides within a channel or groove 32 that extends along the length of the base 20 as the lid is opened.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 showing a mirror, first lid section 40, base 20, and second lid section 60, arranged to show the “interior” surface of each—that is, the portion not visible when the cosmetic compact is assembled and in the closed configuration shown by FIG. 1. The base 20 includes compartments 22 for receiving cosmetic products; different shapes, numbers and sizes for the compartments 22 may be used in other embodiments. In addition to the compartments there may be structures, such as clips, channels, hooks, loops, Velcro fasteners or the like to hold cosmetic applicators in the base 20.

Along the sides of the base 20, first opening 24 indicates the location of the pivot (rear pivot 90 from FIG. 2) for coupling to corresponding second openings 62 on the second lid section 60. One or more pins (not shown) can be used to connect first openings 24 and second openings 62. Also along the sides of the base 20 are surfaces 26 over which the front edge of the first lid section 40 passes as the lid is opened.

The first lid section 40 includes first coupling mechanisms 42 on one end, and posts 44 on the other end. When the compact is assembled, first coupling mechanisms 42 are placed to interact with second coupling mechanisms 64 on the second lid section 60. Each of these first and second coupling mechanisms is shown as having a cylindrical lumen therethrough, though other shapes and designs may be used. One or more pins (not shown) can be used to connect first coupling mechanisms 42 with second coupling mechanisms 64. The posts 44 are sized and placed to slide within grooves on the base 20 (see FIGS. 4-5) In another example, the posts 44 may be rollers or wheels connected to the first lid section with a pin such that the rollers roll along the grooves on the base.

The mirror 50 resides in an indentation (not shown) on the side of the first lid section 40 that is not shown in FIG. 3. Snap fit and/or adhesive, or other mechanism, may be used to secure the mirror 50 to the first lid section 40.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side of the base of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1. The compartments 22 are again visible. The base 20 includes, as indicated, the first opening 24 used to establish the rear pivot. Adjacent the first opening 24 is a rounded edge 28 that facilitates pivoting of the second lid portion (not shown) around the rear pivot at first opening 24. The rounded edge 28 acts as the termination of surface 26 on which the first lid portion (not shown) slides during opening and/or closing.

A groove 32 extends most of the length of the base 20, and is designed to receive a post of the first lid portion (not shown) as further detailed in FIG. 6 such that the post can slide therein as the lid is opened. The groove 32 may be simply rectangular, or may have some other shape and/or may include a lip to hold the post in place therein. The groove 32 ends prior to the back edge of the base 20, serving in part to stop rearward motion of the front edge of the first lid section (not shown).

The base includes a front lip 30, which is optional. The front lip 30 may be included to help seal the front edge of the compact when the lid is fully closed. Combined, the front lip 30 and rest of base 20, along with the lid, define a compartment or cavity for containing cosmetic products in a generally protected manner. If desired, the compartment or cavity may be hermetic when closed by including, for example, elastomeric sealing surfaces around one or more of the edges of the base 20 and/or lid.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the base of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1. As shown by FIG. 5, the groove 32 extends much of the length of the base 20 adjacent to the surface 26. The groove 32 is shown here as being a generally rectangular channel; a lip could be provided on the upper surface or lower surface of the groove 32, if desired. The surface 26 ends with the rounded edge 28, near first opening 24. In an alternative example, the front edge of the groove may be closed.

FIG. 6 shows interaction of the post of the first lid portion with the groove of the base. The post 44 is shown extending inward from the outer edges of the first lid section 40 and into the groove 32. This prevents the front edge of the lid from popping up as the lid is opened; instead, as shown below in FIGS. 9-10, the lid folds at a pivot point to open. In this example the post is merely a cylindrical protrusion, made for example of hard plastic or metal. In an alternative example, the post 44 may include a cap portion of wider diameter and the groove 32 may include a lip to hold the cap portion of the post therein, if desired. The post 44 could be made more complex by using a rotatable wheel thereon, for example.

FIG. 7 is an isolation view of one of the first lid section of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1. The first lid section 40 includes the first coupling mechanisms 42 for coupling to the second lid section (not shown). The first lid section 40 also includes an indentation 46 for receiving the mirror.

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of the assembled cosmetic compact of FIG. 1. A portion of the rear-most area of the compact is removed to show alignment of the first opening 24 of the base 20 with the second coupling mechanism 64 of the second lid section 60. A pin such as pin 80 may be used to secure the base 20 to the second lid section 60. The pin 80 may have an enlarged end or central portion, if desired, to keep it in place. Similar pins as that shown at 80 may be used to couple together the first and second lid sections, if desired. Other suitable connectors may be used instead to secure the pieces together.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 with the lid partly open. The cosmetic compact 10 is shown with the lid partly open, such that the base 20 and base compartments 22 are exposed, as the first lid section 40 has been drawn away from the front lip 30. The front pivot 94 is secured by posts (FIG. 6) of the first lid section 40 in the groove 32, keeping the first lid section 40 sliding over surface 26.

In the configuration shown, the second lid section 60 has partly pivoted around the rear pivot 90. However the weight of the mirror 50 on the first lid section 40 is sufficient that the configuration shown is unstable. If released by the user, the lid will close, moving in a first direction 70, under the weight of the mirror as center pivot 92 straightens out. Such motion would be driven by the weight of the mirror and first lid section 40, rather than using a spring in one embodiment. Alternatively, a spring may be used in association with either of the rear pivot 90 or center pivot 92 to encourage motion either in a closing direction or an opening direction as desired.

In the example shown, moving the lid to a slightly more opened position will transition to a configuration that is at least momentarily stable. The ability of the lid to remain partly open will be partly driven by how easily the pieces move, for example. If partly-open positions are desired, the surface 26 may be roughened or covered with a material that creates friction against movement, or indentations could be provided in surface 26 to facilitate intermediate positions. However, in some embodiments, the concept is to provide a smooth opening across the entire range of motion from closed to fully open.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 1 with the lid all the way open. FIG. 10 highlights how the rounded back edge of surface 26 allows the second lid section 60 to pivot fully around rear pivot 90, placing the weight of the second lid section 60 beyond the pivot and thereby pulling the rest of the lid including first lid section 40 and mirror 50 in a second direction 75 to a fully opened position. At this fully open point, the center pivot 92 is actually to the rear of the rear pivot 90, with the front pivot 94 far enough back to make the entire set of base compartments 22 accessible. In this manner, the implementation shown is biased to either be fully open, or fully closed, with a narrow range therebetween that is semi-stable. In some examples, the base 20 may be weighted to prevent tipping backward once fully opened, if desired.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example of a cosmetic compact having a folding lid and mirror, with the lid closed. The cosmetic compact 110 includes a base 120 on which a first lid section 140 and a second lid section 160 lie. The first lid section 140 includes a mirror 150 that is visible when the lid is closed, as shown by FIG. 11.

The overall structure defines three pivots shown at 190, 192, 194. A rear pivot 190 couples the second lid section 160 to the base 120. The center pivot 192 couples the first lid section 140 to the second lid section 160. The front pivot 194 couples the first lid section 140 to the base 120. The rear pivot 190 is fixed relative to the base 120, however, the center pivot 192 and front pivot 194 move relative to the base as shown below in FIGS. 17 and 18 as the lid is opened.

The base 120 includes a first opening shown at 124. In other examples, the first opening 124 is not visible from the outside view and would only be seen on an inner side. The first opening 124 defines the rear pivot 190, at which the second lid section 160 is pivotably coupled to the base 120. The first lid section 140 includes a center pivot 192 defined by a third opening 148 in a middle region of the first lid section, coupling together the first lid section 140 and second lid section 160. The center pivot 192 moves up and back relative to the base 120 as the lid is opened, as shown by FIGS. 17 and 18, below. The front pivot 194 is shown as being at the bottom of the first lid section 140 resting atop an edge (shown below in FIG. 13) on the base 120. The front pivot 194 moves as a post 144 (shown below in FIG. 15) on the first lid section 140 slides within a channel or groove 132 that extends along the length of the base 120 as the lid is opened.

Any suitable materials may be used for the various parts shown and the mirror. For example, glass, thermoplastics, thermoset materials, metals, ceramics, and/or natural materials (wood, stone, etc.) maybe used in the design.

In some embodiments shown below, mirror 150 is a separate glass item or a polished metal that is secured onto the first lid section 140. A sticker may be used as the mirror 150. In some other examples, the first lid section may be formed of or may include a section formed of reflective metal that can be polished to serve as a mirror, or a section of reflective material may be made by, for example, vacuum metallization or electroplating.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 showing a mirror 150, first lid section 140, second lid section 160, an insert 134, and a base 120. The insert 134 is seated the base 120 and includes compartments 122 for receiving cosmetic products; different shapes, numbers and sizes for the compartments 122 may be used in other embodiments. In addition to the compartments there may be structures, such as clips, channels, hooks, loops, Velcro fasteners or the like to hold cosmetic applicators in one or more of the compartments 122 in the base 120.

FIG. 13 shows the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the first lid section 140 removed, and FIG. 14 shows both the first lid section 140 and the second lid section 160 removed. FIG. 15 shows the first lid section 140 and the second lid section 160 arranged to show the “interior” surface of each—that is, the portion not visible when the cosmetic compact is assembled and in the closed configuration shown by FIG. 11. Along the sides of the base 120, first opening 124 indicates the location of the pivot (rear pivot 190 from FIG. 11) for coupling to corresponding second openings 162 on the second lid section 160. One or more pins (not shown) can be used to connect first openings 124 and second openings 162. Also along the sides of the base 120 are surfaces 126 over which the front edge of the first lid section 140 passes as the lid is opened.

The first lid section 140 includes first coupling mechanisms 142 disposed adjacent third openings 148, and posts 144 at the front end. When the compact is assembled, first coupling mechanisms 142 are placed to interact with second coupling mechanisms 164 on the second lid section 160. Each of these first and second coupling mechanisms is shown as having a cylindrical lumen therethrough, though other shapes and designs may be used. One or more pins (not shown) can be used to connect first coupling mechanisms 142 with second coupling mechanisms 164 to define center pivot 192.

The posts 144 are sized and placed to slide within grooves 132 on the base 120 (see FIG. 13). In another example, the posts 144 may be rollers or wheels connected to the first lid section with a pin such that the rollers roll along the grooves on the base.

The grooves 132 extend most of the length of the base 120, and are designed to receive the posts 144 of the first lid section 140 such that the post 144 can slide therein as the lid is opened. The groove 132 may be simply rectangular, or may have some other shape and/or may include a lip to hold the post in place therein. The groove 132 ends prior to the back edge of the base 120, serving in part to stop rearward motion of the front edge of the first lid section (not shown).

The mirror 150 resides in an indentation 146 on the side of the first lid section 140 as shown in FIG. 12. Snap fit and/or adhesive, or other mechanism, may be used to secure the mirror 150 to the first lid section 140.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base 120 and insert 134 of the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11. The compartments 122 are again visible. The base 120 includes, as indicated, the first opening 124 used to establish the rear pivot. Adjacent the first opening 124 on each side of the base 120 is a depression 128 at the end of the groove 132 that receives the post 144 of the first lid section (not shown) when the lid is fully open. The depressions 128 prevents the first lid section 140 from sliding forward when the lid is fully open. Lifting the first lid section 140 slightly releases the posts 144 from the depressions 128, allowing the lid to be closed.

FIG. 16 shows interaction of the post 144 of the first lid section 140 with the groove 132 of the base. The post 144 is shown extending inward from the outer edges of the first lid section 140 and into the groove 132. This prevents the front edge of the lid from popping up as the lid is opened; instead, as shown below in FIGS. 17-18, the lid folds at the center pivot point to open. In this example the post is merely a cylindrical protrusion, made for example of hard plastic or metal. In an alternative example, the post 144 may include a cap portion of wider diameter and the groove 132 may include a lip to hold the cap portion of the post therein, if desired. The post 144 could be made more complex by using a rotatable wheel thereon, for example.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the lid partly open. The cosmetic compact 110 is shown with the lid partly open, such that the base 120 and insert compartments 122 are exposed, as the first lid section 140 has been drawn away from the front of the base 120. The front pivot 194 is secured by posts 144 (FIG. 16) of the first lid section 140 in the groove 132, keeping the first lid section 140 sliding over surface 126.

In the configuration shown, the second lid section 160 has partly pivoted relative to the first lid section 140 at the center pivot 192, and has partly pivoted relative to the base 120 at rear pivot 190. However the weight of the mirror 150 on the first lid section 140 is sufficient that the configuration shown is unstable. If released by the user, the lid will close, moving in a first direction 170, under the weight of the mirror as center pivot 192 straightens out. Such motion would be driven by the weight of the mirror and first lid section 140, rather than using a spring in one embodiment. Alternatively, a spring may be used in association with either of the rear pivot 190 or center pivot 192 to encourage motion either in a closing direction or an opening direction as desired.

In the example shown, moving the lid to a slightly more opened position will transition to a configuration that is at least momentarily stable. The ability of the lid to remain partly open will be partly driven by how easily the pieces move, for example. If partly-open positions are desired, the surface 126 may be roughened or covered with a material that creates friction against movement, or indentations could be provided in surface 126 to facilitate intermediate positions. However, in some embodiments, the concept is to provide a smooth opening across the entire range of motion from closed to fully open.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the cosmetic compact of FIG. 11 with the lid all the way open. FIG. 18 highlights how the second lid section 160 pivots fully around rear pivot 190, placing the weight of the second lid section 160 beyond the pivot and thereby pulling the rest of the lid including first lid section 140 and mirror 150 in a second direction 175 to a fully opened position. At this fully open point, the center pivot 192 is actually to the rear of the rear pivot 190, with the front pivot far enough back to make the entire set of base compartments 122 accessible. The posts 144 on the first lid section 140 are disposed in the depressions 128 in the grooves 132, providing further stability for the entire lid to stay open. When the lid is to be closed, slight upward movement of the first lid section 140 moves the posts 144 out of the depressions 128 and the lid may be easily slid forward to the closed position. In this manner, the implementation shown is biased to either be fully open, or fully closed, with a narrow range therebetween that is semi-stable. In some examples, the base 120 may be weighted to prevent tipping backward once fully opened, if desired.

A first non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container comprising a base for containing cosmetic products and having a first end and a second end; a first lid section having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the base; a second lid section having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably attached to the first end of the base; wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first lid section, the first lid section comprising a mirror on a first side thereof; wherein the first and second lid sections together form a lid of the cosmetic container and are coupled to each other and the base such that: when the lid is closed, the lid and base define a cavity for containing cosmetic products and the mirror is on an outside of the lid; when the lid is opened, to a user facing the cosmetic container at the second end of the base, the mirror faces the user; and during a step of opening the lid, the mirror faces the user.

A second non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the second end of the first lid section is configured to couple with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base. A third non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the second non-limiting example wherein the second end of the first lid section includes a post configured to couple with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base. A fourth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; and during a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

A fifth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourth non-limiting example, wherein the lid biasing is accomplished without the use of a spring. A sixth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first end of the first lid section. A seventh non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the sixth non-limiting example, wherein the base comprises a rounded edge to facilitate sliding of the first end of the second lid section around the rounded edge as the second lid section pivots during opening of the lid. An eighth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the seventh non-limiting example, wherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; and during a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

A ninth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the eighth non-limiting example, wherein the first and second lid sections, in conjunction with the rounded edge, facilitate the biasing of the lid during opening without the use of a spring. A tenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to a middle region of the first lid section. An eleventh non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the tenth non-limiting example, wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, the groove having a depression adjacent the first end, wherein the second end of the first lid section includes a post, wherein the post couples with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base, wherein the post sits in the depression when the lid is fully opened. A twelfth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the first lid section comprises a lid piece and the mirror, the mirror being attached to the lid piece. A thirteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the first lid section is formed of metal and the mirror is formed of a highly reflective portion of the metal.

A fourteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container comprising: a base for containing cosmetic products and having a first end and a second end; a first lid section having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the base, the first lid section having a mirror coupled thereto; a second lid section having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably attached at the first end of the base; wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first lid section; wherein the first and second lid sections together form a lid of the cosmetic container and are coupled to each other and the base such that: when the lid is closed, the lid and base define a cavity for containing cosmetic products and the mirror is on an outside of the lid; when the lid is opened, the cavity is accessible to a user; and wherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; and during a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

A fifteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourteenth non-limiting example, wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the first lid section includes a post that slides along the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base. A sixteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourteenth non-limiting example, wherein the lid biasing is accomplished without the use of a spring. A seventeenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourteenth non-limiting example, wherein the second lid section comprises a lid piece and a mirror, the mirror being attached to the lid piece, with the first and second lid sections configured such that during opening a user facing the cosmetic container would see the mirror while the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position.

An eighteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourteenth non-limiting example, wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first end of the first lid section. A nineteenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the eighteenth non-limiting example, wherein the base comprises a rounded edge to facilitate sliding of the first end of the second lid section around the rounded edge as the second lid section pivots during opening of the lid. A twentieth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic container as in the fourteenth non-limiting example, wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to a middle region of the first lid section.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container comprising: a base for containing cosmetic products and having a first end and a second end;a first lid section having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the base;a second lid section having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably attached to the first end of the base;wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first lid section, the first lid section comprising a mirror on a first side thereof;wherein the first and second lid sections together form a lid of the cosmetic container and are coupled to each other and the base such that: when the lid is closed, the lid and base define a cavity for containing cosmetic products and the mirror is on an outside of the lid;when the lid is opened, to a user facing the cosmetic container at the second end of the base, the mirror faces the user; andduring a step of opening the lid, the mirror faces the user.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the second end of the first lid section is configured to couple with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 2 wherein the second end of the first lid section includes a post configured to couple with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; andduring a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 4 wherein the lid biasing is accomplished without the use of a spring.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first end of the first lid section.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 6 wherein the base comprises a rounded edge to facilitate sliding of the first end of the second lid section around the rounded edge as the second lid section pivots during opening of the lid.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 7 wherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; andduring a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 8 wherein the first and second lid sections, in conjunction with the rounded edge, facilitate the biasing of the lid during opening without the use of a spring.

10. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to a middle region of the first lid section.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 10, wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, the groove having a depression adjacent the first end, wherein the second end of the first lid section includes a post, wherein the post couples with the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base, wherein the post sits in the depression when the lid is fully opened.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the first lid section comprises a lid piece and the mirror, the mirror being attached to the lid piece.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 1 wherein the first lid section is formed of metal and the mirror is formed of a highly reflective portion of the metal.

14. A cosmetic container comprising: a base for containing cosmetic products and having a first end and a second end;a first lid section having a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to the base, the first lid section having a mirror coupled thereto;a second lid section having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably attached at the first end of the base;wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first lid section;wherein the first and second lid sections together form a lid of the cosmetic container and are coupled to each other and the base such that: when the lid is closed, the lid and base define a cavity for containing cosmetic products and the mirror is on an outside of the lid;when the lid is opened, the cavity is accessible to a user; andwherein the lid is configured such that, as the lid is opened from a closed position to an open position: during a first stage of opening, the lid is biased to return to the closed position; andduring a second stage of opening, the lid is biased to continue on to the open position.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 14 wherein the base comprises at least one groove along a side extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the first lid section includes a post that slides along the groove to maintain the second end of the first lid section coupled to the base.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 14 wherein the lid biasing is accomplished without the use of a spring.

17. The cosmetic container of claim 14 wherein the second lid section comprises a lid piece and a mirror, the mirror being attached to the lid piece, with the first and second lid sections configured such that during opening a user facing the cosmetic container would see the mirror while the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 14 wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to the first end of the first lid section.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 18 wherein the base comprises a rounded edge to facilitate sliding of the first end of the second lid section around the rounded edge as the second lid section pivots during opening of the lid.

20. The cosmetic container of claim 14 wherein the second end of the second lid section is pivotably attached to a middle region of the first lid section.