RISING PAN COMPACT

Abstract

A cosmetic container that includes a housing and a base together defining a cavity. A lift mechanism is actuatable to move a cosmetic stored within the housing and the base between a storage configuration and a use configuration. A track insert may be moved to actuate the lift mechanism. Actuation of the track insert of the lift mechanism in a first direction along a first axis is translated into movement of the cosmetic in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a cosmetic compact, and in particular, to a compact including a rising pan.

BACKGROUND

Vessels exist that are portable, convenient to use, and designed to contain cosmetic products for use. These types of portable vessels usually consist of ajar and lid assembly, that when assembled together provide an effective barrier for containing the product. The jar and/or lid are typically made of a glass, a plastic, a metal, combinations of the foregoing, or the like, that when closed together create a seal that can contain the product. These jar and lid assemblies may typically be sealed by a thread fastening mechanism, a snap fastening mechanism, or a clamp fastening mechanism. Some assemblies, when fastened together, can compress an o-ring or a gasket interposed by the jar and the lid. Some assemblies include hinged compacts rather than separate jars and lids.

These vessels are used in the cosmetics and personal care industries for containing a product to be applied to a body. Exemplary products include creams, gels, loose or compressed powders, and various makeup products, such as lip balm, blush/rouge, tint, petroleum products, sunscreen, etc. Portable vessels have been developed to contain products in a compact and often substantially airtight assembly. These are often built with a plastic pot and a loose plastic lid that are housed by a protective shell. However, because these vessels have a loose lid, it is difficult to manage both the loose lid and the protective shell while applying the contained product to a body. Some vessels have addressed this problem by utilizing a hinge or a tether to keep the lid with the pot. Such is the case with traditional compacts. Although portable vessels and compacts exist, there remains a need for improved cosmetic containers.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

In a first example, an illustrative cosmetic container may comprise a base, a housing coupled to the base and defining a cavity between the base and the housing, a lift mechanism disposed within the cavity, and a cosmetic positioned on a surface of the lift mechanism. Actuation of a track insert of the lift mechanism in a first direction along a first axis may be translated into movement of the cosmetic in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the track insert may comprise a front side wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, and a top wall.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the front side wall, the first and second lateral side walls, and the top wall form an internal cavity.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the track insert may further comprise a first axially extending slot formed in an inner surface of the first lateral side wall and a second axially extending slot formed in an inner surface of the second lateral side wall.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first axially extending slot and the second axially extending slot may each include a first portion adjacent to and generally parallel to a bottom edge of the respective side wall, a second portion which extends between the bottom edge and a top edge of the respective side wall, and a third portion adjacent to and generally parallel to a top edge of the respective side wall.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the track insert may further comprise a first inwardly extending protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first lateral side wall adjacent to a back side of the track insert and a second inwardly extending protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second lateral side wall adjacent to the back side of the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the track insert further comprises a first outwardly extending protrusion extending from an outer surface of the first lateral side wall adjacent to a back side of the track insert and a second outwardly extending protrusion extending from an outer surface of the second lateral side wall adjacent to the back side of the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lift mechanism may further comprise a lift plate.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lift plate may comprise a generally planar portion, a first pair of laterally extending arms positioned adjacent to a back side of the planar portion, and a second pair of laterally extending arms positioned adjacent to a front side of the planar portion.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, an edge of the each of the arms of the second pair of laterally extending arms may be configured to be received within a portion of the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic may be affixed to a top surface of the generally planar portion of the lift plate.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lift mechanism may further comprise a drag bar.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the drag bar may comprise a first rail and a second rail extending parallel to the first axis and to each other, a first “L” shaped extension extending from a front end of the first rail, the first “L” shaped extension including a resilient extension extending generally parallel to the first rail and defining a first recess therein, a second “L” shaped extension extending from a front end of the second rail, the second “L” shaped extension including a resilient extension extending generally parallel to the second rail and defining a second recess therein, a first raised region adjacent a back end of the first rail, the first raised region gradually increasing in height in a front to back direction, a second raised region adjacent a back end of the second rail, the second raised region gradually increasing in height in a front to back direction, and a pair of crossbars extending between and generally orthogonal to the first pair of rails.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first and second recesses of the drag bar may be configured to releasably couple with a portion of the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the drag bar may be configured to move a distance in the first direction with the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the distance moved by the drag bar may be less than a distance moved by the track insert.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the drag bar may be positioned between a bottom surface of the lift plate and a top surface of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the base may comprise a bottom wall, a first lateral side wall, and a second lateral side wall.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a first slot extending through the first lateral side wall of the base and a second slot extending through the second lateral side wall of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, a portion of the track insert may be slidably disposed within the first and second slots of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may further comprise a generally annular wall extending upwards from the bottom wall of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the generally annular wall may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more components of the lift mechanism therethrough.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the housing may comprise a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, a back wall, and a top wall.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the top wall of the housing may comprise an opening extending from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the cosmetic container may be actuatable between a storage configuration and a use configuration to allow the cosmetic to be selectively accessible through the opening in the top wall of the housing.

In another example, a cosmetic container may comprise a base having a bottom wall, first lateral side wall, and a second lateral side wall, a housing having a top wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, and a back wall, the first and second lateral side walls of the housing coupled to the first and second lateral side walls base and defining a cavity between the base and the housing, and a lift mechanism disposed within the cavity. The lift mechanism may comprise a track insert, the track insert slidably coupled to the first and second lateral side walls of the base, a drag bar positioned adjacent to the bottom wall of the base, the drag bar configured to be selectively coupled to the track insert, and a lift plate positioned on top of the drag bar, a first edge of the lift plate positioned within a first channel formed in a first lateral side wall of the track insert and a second edge of the lift plate positioned within a second channel formed in a second lateral side wall of the track insert. The cosmetic container may further comprise a cosmetic positioned on a top surface of the lift plate. Actuation of the track insert in a first direction along a first axis may be translated into movement of the lift plate in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first direction may be a direction away from the back wall of the housing and the second direction may be a direction towards the top wall of the housing.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, actuation of the track insert in the first direction may comprise pulling the track insert at least partially out of the cavity of the housing and the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, after the track insert may be actuated a first distance in the first direction, the track insert releasably coupled to the drag bar and subsequent actuation of the track insert in the first direction moves both the track insert and the drag bar a second distance.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, as the track insert and the drag bar move the second distance, the lift plate may be moved in the second direction.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the first and second channels may transition from a first vertical location to a second vertical location along a length of the channel such that as the track insert is actuated in the first direction, the first and second edges of the lift plate may be lifted from the first vertical location to the second vertical location.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, movement of the drag bar the second distance may move a raised region of the drag bar to a location under the lift plate such that a back portion of the lift plate may be lifted from a first vertical location to a second vertical location.

In another example, a cosmetic container may comprise a housing defining a cavity for containing a cosmetic product, the housing having at least one side, a top and a bottom, with a top opening on the top thereof and a side opening on a side thereof, a platform holding a cosmetic product inside of the housing, the platform having a first position in which the cosmetic product is in a non-use position and recessed to a first extent relative to the top opening, and a use position in which the cosmetic product is one of less recessed than the first extent, flush with, or extends out of the top opening, the platform having a first end and a second end, the first end being closer to the side opening than the second end of the platform, and a sliding drawer adapted to extend out of the side opening in response to actuation by a user within a sliding drawer range of motion between first and second extremes. The first end of the platform may be linked to the sliding drawer by a channel having a first portion which is flat, a second portion which is sloped, and an upper end portion. A drag bar may be positioned beneath the platform, the drag bar configured to move with the sliding drawer for at least a portion of the range of motion of the sliding drawer. The cosmetic container may be adapted for opening in the following manner: when the sliding drawer is at the first extreme of its range of motion, the platform is in the non-use position and the drag bar is disengaged from the sliding drawer, as the sliding drawer is moved by a user from the first extreme toward the second extreme of its range of motion, the drag bar becomes engaged within the sliding drawer while the platform remains linked to the sliding portion in the first portion of the channel, as the sliding drawer is moved toward the second extreme of its range of motion after engaging the drag bar, the drag bar begins lifting the second end of the platform as the second portion of the channel lifts the first end of the platform, and prior to reaching the second extreme of the sliding portion range of motion, the platform achieves the use position.

In another example, a cosmetic container may comprise a housing defining a cavity for containing a cosmetic product, the housing having at least one side, a top and a bottom, with a top opening on the top thereof and a side opening on a side thereof, a platform having a cosmetic product thereon or therein, the platform adapted to raise and lower relative to the top opening, the platform having first and second ends, the first end closer to the side opening than the second end, and a sliding drawer coupled to the platform such that, as the sliding drawer is opening, separate couplings to the first and second ends of the platform simultaneously raise both ends of the platform to keep the cosmetic product flat, relative to the top of the housing, as it is raised toward the opening.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective back view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom perspective back view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the illustrative track insert;

FIG. 5A is top view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1 in a first partially open configuration;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the partially open cosmetic container of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is top view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1 in a second partially open configuration;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the partially open cosmetic container of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the partially open cosmetic container of FIG. 6A, taken at line 6C-6C in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is front perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1 in the second partially open configuration of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is top view of the illustrative cosmetic container with a rising pan of FIG. 1 in a fully open configuration;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the open cosmetic container of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the open cosmetic container of FIG. 7A, taken at line 7C-7C in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective cut-away view of the illustrative cosmetic container in a fully open configuration;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective cut-away view of the illustrative cosmetic container in a fully open configuration;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container of FIG. 1 in a fully open configuration; and

FIG. 11 is a top cut-away view of the illustrative cosmetic container in a partially closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cosmetic container 10 including a rising pan. The cosmetic container 10 may include a front side 12, a back side 14, a first lateral side 16, a second lateral side 18, a top side 20, and a bottom side 22. The lateral sides 16, 18 may extend between the front side 12 and the back side 14 generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 11 of the container 10. The use of the terms “front”, “back”, “lateral”, “top”, and “bottom” are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the cosmetic container 10 to a particular spatial orientation, but rather to facilitate an understanding of the structure of the container 10. While the cosmetic container 10 is illustrated as having a generally square cross-sectional shape, it is contemplated that the cosmetic container 10 may take other cross-sectional shapes, as desired. The cosmetic container 10 may include a cosmetic (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1) stored within a housing 24 of the container 10. As a track insert 26 is pulled out of the housing 24 in the direction indicated by arrow 30, the cosmetic lifts such that it is accessible through an opening 28 in the housing 24. Said differently, linear movement of the track insert 26 long a first axis is translated into linear movement of the cosmetic along a second axis generally orthogonal to the first axis. When the track insert 26 is positioned within the housing 24, as shown in FIG. 1, a top surface 32 of the track insert 26 covers the opening 28 to protect the cosmetic product when it is not in use.

Referring to both FIG. 2 which is an exploded top perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 which is an exploded bottom perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 of FIG. 1, the housing 24 includes a first lateral side wall 84, a second lateral side wall 86, and a back side wall 89 extending between the first and second side walls 84, 86. The top wall or plate 82 extends generally orthogonal to and between the lateral side walls 84, 86 and the back side wall 89.

An aperture or opening 28 extends through the top wall 82 such that a product 72 is selectively accessible therethrough. The opening 28 may be any shape desired, including, but not limited to, circular, oblong, square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, irregular shape (such as resembling a leaf or flower), etc.

The front side 88 of the housing 24 may define an opening such that the track insert 26 may be slid in and out of a cavity defined by the assembled housing 24 and a base 34. The housing 24 may further include one or more inwardly extending protrusions 90a, 90b (collectively, 90) which may be configured to engage one or more mating recesses 92a, 92b (collectively, 92) formed in an outer surface of the base 34. In some cases, the housing 24 may include more than two protrusions 90. For example, the housing 24 may include four protrusions 90, one situated in each corner of the housing 24. The protrusions 90 may form a snap fit with the recesses 92 to secure the housing 24 to the base 34. However, other coupling mechanisms may be used to secure the housing 24 to the base 34, as desired. The housing 24 may also include one or more recesses 35a, 35b (collectively, 35) positioned in the first and/or second lateral side 84, 86 adjacent to the front side 88 to allow a user to grip the track insert 26. For example, the recesses 35 may be sized and shaped to allow a user to grip the track insert 26 and/or position a finger between the track insert 26 and the housing 24.

The base 34 includes a generally planar bottom wall 40, a first lateral side wall 36, and a second lateral side wall 38. The first and second lateral side walls 36, 38 may extend generally orthogonal to and at opposing sides of the bottom wall 40. Each lateral side wall 36, 38 includes a slot 42a, 42b (collectively, 42) configured to receive a portion of the track insert 26. The slots 42 may extend between an end adjacent to the front side 12 of the cosmetic container 10 and an end adjacent to the back side 14 of the container 10. The slots 42 may be substantially the same length as each other. In some cases, the slots 42 may extend through a thickness of the first and second lateral side walls 36, 38, although this is not required.

The base 34 may further include a generally annular wall 44 extending generally orthogonally from the bottom wall 40. The generally annular wall 44 may be sized and shaped to surround the cosmetic 72 when the cosmetic container 10 is in a storage configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The annular wall 44 may include a first pair of gaps or openings 50a, 50b (collectively, 50) configured to receive a portion of a drag bar 54 and a second pair of openings 52a, 52b (collectively, 52) configured to receive a portion of a lift plate or runner 62. It is contemplated that the annular wall 44 may include further openings 51 configured to allow the drag bar 54 to move relative to the base 34.

The base 34 may also include a magnet 48 enclosed by one or more side walls 46. The magnet 48 may be configured to magnetically couple to the track insert 26 or a component therein to releasably couple the track insert 26 to the base 34. This may maintain the cosmetic container in a closed or storage configuration (e.g., FIG. 1) until an external force (e.g., exerted by the user) is applied to the track insert 26.

The cosmetic container 10 further includes a lift plate 62 configured to raise the cosmetic 72 when the cosmetic container 10 is opened (FIG. 10) and lower the cosmetic 72 when the cosmetic container 10 is closed (FIG. 1). The lift plate 62 may include a generally planar portion 64. The cosmetic 72 may be secured to a top surface of the planar portion 64 using any desired means such as, but not limited to, tapes, adhesives, etc. The lift plate 62 may further include a first pair of laterally extending arms 66a, 66b (collectively, 66). The arms 66 may be configured to be positioned toward the back side 14 of the container 10. The arms 66 may be further configured to extend through the second pair of openings 52 in the annular wall 44 of the base 34 such that the arms 66 interact with the annular wall 44 to create a mechanical stop which prevents or limits front to back movement of the lift plate 62.

The lift plate 62 may also include a second pair of laterally extending arms 68a, 68b (collectively, 68). The arms 68 may be configured to be positioned toward the front side 12 of the container 10. A lateral edge of each arm of the second pair of arms 68 may be configured to be disposed within a corresponding channel 94a, 94b in an inner surface of the track insert 26, as will be described in more detail herein. In some cases, the lift plate 62 may also include a pair of vertically extending risers 70a, 70b (collectively, 70). In some cases, the risers 70 may help to limit vertical movement of the lift plate 62, although this is not required.

The cosmetic container 10 further includes a drag bar 54. The drag bar 54 may include a first rail 55a and a second rail 55b (collectively, 55) extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 of the container 10. A set of crossbar rails 57a, 57b (collectively, 57) extends between the first set of rails 55 at an angle generally orthogonal thereto. The first rail 57a of the second set of rails 57 may be positioned to create a stop mechanism between the drag bar 54 and the annular wall 44 of the base 34, as will be described in more detail herein.

The drag bar 54 may further include a first generally “L” shaped extension 56a extending in a first lateral direction from the first rail 55a and away from a center of the drag bar 54 and a second generally “L” shaped extension 56b extending in a second lateral direction from the second rail 55b and away from a center of the drag bar 54. The extensions 56a, 56b (collectively, 56) are positioned adjacent the front side 12 of the cosmetic container 10 and each include a resilient extension 59a, 59b (collectively, 59). The resilient extensions 59 extend generally parallel to the rails 55 and are configured to flex laterally in response an applied force, as will be described in more detail herein. Each extension 59 may include a recess 58a, 58b (collectively, 58) oriented laterally outward (e.g., away from the rails 55). The recesses 58 may be configured to releasably couple with a pair of inwardly extending protrusions 100a, 100b (collectively, 100) on an inner surface of the lateral side walls 76, 77 of the track insert 26.

At an opposing end of the rails 55 from the generally L-shaped extensions 56, each rail may include a slope or raised region 60a, 60b (collectively, 60) having a height (in the top to bottom direction) greater than the remainder of the rails 55. The height of the raised regions 60 may gradually increase in front to back direction. (e.g., the end of the raised region 60 closest to the back side 14 of the container 10 has a greater height than the end of the raised region 60 closest to the front side of the container 10). The raised regions 60 are positioned adjacent to the back side 14 of the cosmetic container 10.

Referring additionally to FIG. 4, which illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track insert 26, the track insert 26 includes a front side wall 74, a first lateral side wall 76, a second lateral side wall 77, and a top side 32, and an opening 80 in the back side. Collectively, the front side 74, the lateral sides 76, 77, and the top side 32 may form an internal cavity 27. Generally, the track insert 26 may resemble an upside down drawer having an open back. The top side 32 of the track insert 26 may include a mirror which has been glued or otherwise coupled to a top side wall 29 of the track insert 26. However, this is not required. In some cases, the track insert 26 may not include a mirror and may instead have a decorative element (such as an image or logo), and indication of contents, other written matter, or may simply be blank or clear to allow the product contained therein to be seen. In other cases, the top wall 29 of the track insert 26 may be formed from the mirror.

In some embodiments, the front side 74 of the track insert 26 may be formed from a façade 74 which has been glued or otherwise secured to a front side wall 75 of the track insert 26 to enhance the aesthetics of the cosmetic container 10. In some embodiments, the façade 74 may be omitted. The front side wall 75 may include a recess or cut out 73 configured to receive a metal plate or magnet (not explicitly shown) to magnetically couple the track insert 26 with the base 34.

The track insert 26 may further include a first outwardly extending protrusion 78a extending laterally outward from an outer surface of the first side wall 76. The first protrusion 78a may be slidably received within the first slot 42a of the base 34. The track insert 26 may also include a second outwardly extending protrusion 78b extending laterally outward from an outer surface of the second side wall 77. The second protrusion 78b may be slidably received within the second slot 42b of the base 34. The first and second protrusions 78a, 78b (collectively, 78) slide within the slots 42 in a front to back (and vice versa) direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 11. The first and second outwardly extending protrusions 78 may be positioned adjacent to the back opening 80 of the track insert 26.

The first and second lateral sides 76, 77 may also include first and second inwardly extending protrusions 100a, 100b (collectively, 100) extending laterally inward (e.g., towards the longitudinal axis 11) from the inner surfaces of the lateral side walls 76, 77, respectively. The inwardly extending protrusions 100 may be positioned adjacent to the back opening 80 of the track insert 26. As will be described in more detail herein, the inwardly extending protrusions 100 may be configured to engage the recesses 58 in the drag bar 54 as the track insert 26 is moved along the longitudinal axis 11.

The first and second lateral side 76, 77 each also include a channel or groove 94a, 94b (collectively, 94) formed in the inner surface (e.g., surface oriented towards the cavity 27) of the respective lateral sidewall 76, 77. The channels 94 are configured to receive a corresponding edge of the arms 68 of the lift plate 62. For example, the edge of the first arm 68a is received within the first channel 94a and the edge of the second arm 68b is received within the second channel 94b. In some cases, the channels 94 may extend over a length less than an entire length of the side walls 76, 77. For example, the channels 94 may extend from a point adjacent to the front side 74 to a point adjacent to the open back 80. In other embodiments of channels 94 may extend over the entire length of the side walls 76, 77 (e.g., from the front side 74 to the open back 80). The channels 94 may have a first portion 93a adjacent (and generally parallel) to a bottom edge of the side wall 76, a second or intermediate transition portion 96a which extends between the bottom edge and a top edge of the side wall, and a third portion 98a adjacent (and generally parallel) to a top edge of the side wall 76.

More specifically, the first channel 94a includes a first, generally linear, portion 93a which is positioned adjacent to the bottom side 22 of the cosmetic container 10 and extends generally parallel to a bottom edge of the side wall 76. The first portion 93a may extend from a first end 91a of the channel 94a to a first intermediate point 95a of the channel 94a. In some cases, the length of the first portion 93a may be more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, etc. of the length of the entire channel 94a. A second, angled or sloped, portion 96a may begin at the first intermediate point 95a. The angled second portion 96a of the channel 94a may extend at a non-orthogonal angle to the first portion 93a from the first intermediate point 95a and towards the top side 20 of the cosmetic container 10 to a second intermediate point 97a. It is contemplated that the angle of the second portion 96 may be approximately the same as slope or angle of the raised regions 60 of the drag bar 54. As will be described in more detail herein, the angled second portion 96 and the raised regions 60 may function together to raise the lift plate 62, and thus the cosmetic 72, in a generally level manner to allow the cosmetic 72 to be accessible through the opening 28 in the housing 24. A third, generally linear, portion 98a may begin at the second intermediate point 97a and extend to the second end 99a of the channel 94a. The third portion 98a may be generally parallel to the first portion 93a. The third portion 98a of the channel 94a is positioned adjacent to the top side 20 of the cosmetic container 10. While the structure of the channels 94 has been described relative to the first channel 94a it should be understood that the second channel 94b includes a similar configuration.

When the cosmetic container 10 is assembled, the bottom wall 40 of the base 34 forms the bottom 22 of the cosmetic container 10. The drag bar 54 is positioned on top of the bottom wall 40 of the base 34 (e.g., within the recess formed by the bottom wall 40 and the sidewalls 36, 38) with the first crossbar 57a positioned internal to the annular wall 44 and the raised regions 60 extending through the first pair of openings 50. The lift plate 62 is positioned on top of the drag bar 54 with the laterally extending side arms 66 extending through the second pair of openings 52. The cosmetic 72 is positioned on top of the lift plate 62. When the cosmetic container 10 is in the closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1), the track insert 26 is slidably disposed over the drag bar 54, the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 such that the drag bar 54, the lift plate 62, and the cosmetic 72 are positioned within the cavity 27 of the track insert 26. In the closed configuration, the front wall 74 of the track insert 26 forms the front side 12 of the cosmetic container 10. The housing 24 is positioned over the side walls 36, 38 of the base 34 such that the lateral side walls 84, 86 of the housing 24 form the lateral side walls 16, 18 of the cosmetic container 10 and the back wall 89 forms the back side 14 of the cosmetic container 10. The top wall 82 of the housing 24 in combination with the top side 32 of the track insert 26 form the top side 20 of the cosmetic container 10 (when the cosmetic container 10 is in the closed configuration).

Together, the track insert 26, the drag bar 54, and the lift plate 62 form a lift mechanism which translates axially movement of the track insert 26 in a first direction into axial movement of the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 in a second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction. The cosmetic container 10 is actuatable between the closed configuration (e.g., see for example, FIG. 1) and an open configuration (see, for example, FIG. 10) by sliding the track insert 26 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 11. FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the cosmetic container 10 in a partially open configuration. FIG. 5B illustrates a first side view of the cosmetic container 10 in the same partially open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the housing 24 is not shown and the track insert 26 has been shown in transparency to better illustrate the internal components of the container 10. To open the cosmetic container 10, the user may grip the front side 74 of the track insert 26 and pull the track insert 26 such that the open back side 80 of the track insert 26 moves towards the front edge of the base 34, as shown at arrow 30. As the user pulls the track insert 26 out of the housing 24 in the direction illustrated by arrow 30, the radially outward extending protrusions 78 slide along the slots 42 in the base 34 in a direction towards the front side 12 of the cosmetic container 10. Further, as the track insert 26 is pulled from the housing 24, the channels 94 in the inner surfaces of the lateral sides 76, 77 of the track insert 26 slide or move along the edges of the arms 68 of the lift plate 62.

The track insert 26 may be moved in isolation until the radially inward extending protrusions 100 engage the recesses 58 of the resilient extensions 59 on the drag bar 54. FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of the cosmetic container 10 in a second partially open configuration in which the radially inward extending protrusions 100 have engaged the recesses 58 of the drag bar 54. FIG. 6B illustrates a second side view of the cosmetic container 10 in the same partially open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container 10 in the same partially open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 6A, taken at line 6C-6C in FIG. 6A. In FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the housing 24 is not shown to better illustrate the internal components of the container 10. FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 6A including the housing 24. As the track insert 26 is pulled from the housing 24 the radially inward extending protrusions 100 may deflect the resilient extensions 59 inward (e.g., in a lateral direction away from the respective inwardly extending protrusion 100). This may allow the track insert 26 to continue moving in direction 30 until the protrusions 100 are positioned within the recesses 58. The resilient extensions 59 may resume their original configuration once the inwardly extending protrusions 100 are positioned within the recesses 58. Once the inwardly extending protrusions 100 have been engaged within the recesses 58, continued movement of the track insert 26 in the direction indicated by arrow 30 will move both the track insert 26 and the drag bar 54, as the protrusions 100 and recesses 58 form a mechanical interlock between the track insert 26 and the drag bar 54. As can be seen in FIG. 6C, in this partially open configuration, the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 are still in a lowered storage configuration.

The track insert 26 may be actuated in the direction indicated by arrow 30 until the outwardly extending protrusions 78 engage an end of the slots 42 adjacent to the front side of the base 34 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B which illustrate a top view of the cosmetic container 10 in a fully open configuration and a side view of the cosmetic container 10 in a fully open configuration, respectively. FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container 10 in the fully open configuration as illustrated in FIG. 7A, taken at line 7C-7C in FIG. 7A. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the housing 24 is not shown to better illustrate the internal components of the container 10. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the drag bar 54 has been pulled with the track insert 26 in the direction of arrow 30 thus moving the raised portions 60 to a position underneath the lift plate 62.

As shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C, the channels 94 in the inner surfaces of the lateral sides 76, 77 of the track insert 26 continue to slide or move along the arms 68 of the lift plate 62. As the second portions 96 of the channels 94 pass over the arms 68 of the lift plate 62, a front portion of the lift plate 62 begins to rise toward the top surface 20 of the cosmetic container 10. Simultaneously therewith or substantially simultaneously therewith, the raised regions 60 of the drag bar 54 are brought underneath the lift plate 62 and the back portion of the lift plate 62 also begins to rise toward the top surface 20 of the cosmetic container 10. As described above, the angles or slopes of the second portions 96 of the channels 94 and the raised regions 60 may be similar such that the lift plate 62 is lifted in a gradual, controlled, and generally level manner. It is further contemplated that the second portions 96 of the channels 94 are positioned such that the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 are lifted or begin to lift after a back edge 81 of the track insert 26 has cleared the cosmetic 72. In other words, the lift mechanism of the cosmetic container 10 is configured and structured such the cosmetic 72 may be raised and lowered without damaging the cosmetic 72 (e.g., by bringing a cosmetic 72 in the contact with the track insert 26 or other component). As can be seen in FIG. 7C, in the fully open configuration, the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 have been raised into a use configuration with the cosmetic 72 adjacent to the top 20 of the cosmetic container 10.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in the fully open configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7C with both the housing 24 and the base 34 removed. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the channels 94 have slid over the edges of the arms 68 of the lift plate 62 such that the arms 68 are now disposed in the third portion 98 of the channels 94. As the relative position of the channels 94 in which the arms 68 are disposed changes (e.g., moving from bottom to top), the position of the lift plate 62 also changes, thus raising the front portion of the lift plate 62.

FIG. 9 illustrates a back perspective view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 in the fully open configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7C with both the housing 24 in the base 34 removed. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the back portion of the lift plate 62 rests on the highest portion of the raised regions 60 of the drag bar 54. The highest portion of the raised regions 60 of the drag bar may be substantially the same height (e.g., in a bottom to top direction) as the third portion 98 of the channels 94. Thus, when the track insert 26 is in the fully open configuration the back of the lift plate 62 and the front of the lift plate 62 are substantially the same height. Further, as described above the slope and length of the second portion 96 of the channels 94 may be substantially the same as the slope and length of the raised regions 60 of the drag bar 54 such that the front of the lift plate 62 and the back of the lift plate 62 are lifted in a substantially flat or level manner. As may be understood at this point, the extent to which the product is raised during this process can be manipulated by changing the shape of channels 94 and/or modifying the height of the raised regions 60 of the drag bar, such that product may extend upward and out of the opening (beyond flush) on top of the cosmetic container housing 24, or may be flush with the top surface of housing 24, or may be recessed slightly or to greater degree, as desired.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the cosmetic container 10 in a fully open configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the track insert 26 has been pulled from within a cavity created by the housing 24 and the base 34 to a point exterior to said cavity. As the track insert 26 is removed from the cavity, the track insert 26 engages the lift mechanism including the drag bar 54 and the lift plate 62 to raise the cosmetic 72 from a storage configuration (e.g., FIG. 6C) to a use configuration as illustrated in FIG. 10 (see, also, (FIG. 7C). The engagement between the outwardly extending protrusions 78 of the track insert 26 and the slots 42 of the base 34 prevent the track insert 26 from disengaging from the housing 24 and/or the base 34. To close the cosmetic container 10, the user may exert a pushing force on the track insert 26 in a direction generally opposite to the direction of the force used open the cosmetic container 10, as indicated by arrow 33.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the cosmetic container 10 in a partially closed (or partially open) configuration. In FIG. 11, the housing 24, the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 have been hidden to more clearly illustrate the positioning of the drag bar 54. To begin to close the cosmetic container 10, a pushing force may be exerted on the track insert 26 in the direction of arrow 33, as described above. The pushing force moves both the track insert 26 and the drag bar 54 in a direction towards the back side 14 of the cosmetic container 10. As the drag bar 54 and the track insert 26 are moved toward the back side 14 of the cosmetic container 10, the lifting of the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 that occurred as cosmetic container 10 was opened is reversed, thus lowering the lift plate 62 and the cosmetic 72 into the storage configuration. For example, the channels 94 are moved relative to the arms 68 of the lift plate 62 such that the edges of the arms 68 are moved between the third portion 98, then the second portion 96, and back into the first portion 93. As the relative position of the channels 94 in which the edges of the arms 68 are disposed changes (e.g., moving from top to bottom), the position of the lift plate 62 also changes, thus lowering the front portion of the lift plate 62. Similarly, the back portion of the lift plate 62 is lowered as the drag bar 54 is moved backwards relative to the lift plate 62 and the back portion of the lift plate 62 slides down the slope of the raised portions 60.

The movement of the drag bar 54 in the direction indicated by arrow 33 may be limited by a mechanical stop formed between the first crossbar rail 57a and the generally annular wall 44 of the base 34. Once the crossbar rail 57a of the drag bar 54 has contacted the annular wall 44, continued force in the backward direction, as indicated by arrow 33, on the track insert 26 will result in the inwardly extending protrusions 100 disengaging from the recesses 58 of the resilient extensions 59 such that the track insert 26 continues to move toward the back wall 14 of the container 10 while the drag bar 54 remain stationary. It is contemplated that the resilient extensions 59 will flex radially inward in response to the continued movement of the track insert 26 in direction 33 to allow the inwardly extending protrusions 100 to disengage from the recesses 58. The track insert 26 may be pushed into the cavity formed by the housing 24 and the base 34 until the laterally outward extending protrusions 78 engage a second end of the slots 42 in the base 34 adjacent the back side 14 of the container 10. As described above, a magnetic coupling between the magnet 48 disposed within the base 34 and a magnetic component within the track insert 26 may maintain the cosmetic container 10 in the closed configuration (see, for example, FIG. 1) until a force (e.g., a pulling force) sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction is applied to the track insert 26.

In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 and/or the various components thereof may be made from a rigid material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastics, other polymers, glass, metal, alloy, wood, and the like). Other embodiments may, however, include containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 24, track insert 26, and/or base 34 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed.

The cosmetic product, may be, but is not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like) in a pot, pressed powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like. While a single cosmetic 72 is illustrated, separate cosmetics may be provided in separate compartments. For example, the cosmetic container 10 may be configured to include any number of compartments desired, such as, but not limited to, one, two, three, four, or more. It is contemplated that the compartments may be removable and/or interchangeable, as desired.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container comprising: a base;a housing coupled to the base and defining a cavity between the base and the housing;a lift mechanism disposed within the cavity; anda cosmetic positioned on a surface of the lift mechanism;wherein actuation of a track insert of the lift mechanism in a first direction along a first axis is translated into movement of the cosmetic in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the track insert comprises: a front side wall;a first lateral side wall;a second lateral side wall; anda top wall; andwherein the front side wall, the first and second lateral side walls, and the top wall form an internal cavity.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein the track insert further comprises a first axially extending slot formed in an inner surface of the first lateral side wall and a second axially extending slot formed in an inner surface of the second lateral side wall.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 3, wherein the first axially extending slot and the second axially extending slot each include: a first portion adjacent to and generally parallel to a bottom edge of the respective side wall;a second portion which extends between the bottom edge and a top edge of the respective side wall; anda third portion adjacent to and generally parallel to a top edge of the respective side wall.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 2, wherein the track insert further comprises: a first inwardly extending protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first lateral side wall adjacent to a back side of the track insert;a second inwardly extending protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second lateral side wall adjacent to the back side of the track insert;a first outwardly extending protrusion extending from an outer surface of the first lateral side wall adjacent to a back side of the track insert; anda second outwardly extending protrusion extending from an outer surface of the second lateral side wall adjacent to the back side of the track insert.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a lift plate, the lift plate comprising: a generally planar portion;a first pair of laterally extending arms positioned adjacent to a back side of the generally planar portion; anda second pair of laterally extending arms positioned adjacent to a front side of the generally planar portion.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 6, wherein an edge of the each of the arms of the second pair of laterally extending arms are configured to be received within a portion of the track insert.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 6, wherein the cosmetic is affixed to a top surface of the generally planar portion of the lift plate.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises a drag bar, the drag bar comprising: a first rail and a second rail extending parallel to the first axis and to each other;a first “L” shaped extension extending from a front end of the first rail, the first “L” shaped extension including a resilient extension extending generally parallel to the first rail and defining a first recess therein;a second “L” shaped extension extending from a front end of the second rail, the second “L” shaped extension including a resilient extension extending generally parallel to the second rail and defining a second recess therein;a first raised region adjacent a back end of the first rail, the first raised region gradually increasing in height in a front to back direction;a second raised region adjacent a back end of the second rail, the second raised region gradually increasing in height in a front to back direction; anda pair of crossbars extending between and generally orthogonal to the first and second rails.

10. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein the first and second recesses of the drag bar are configured to releasably couple with a portion of the track insert.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 9, wherein the drag bar is positioned between a bottom surface of the lift mechanism and a top surface of the base.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a bottom wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, a first slot extending through the first lateral side wall of the base, and a second slot extending through the second lateral side wall of the base.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 12, wherein a portion of the track insert is slidably disposed within the first and second slots of the base.

14. The cosmetic container of claim 12, further comprising a generally annular wall extending upwards from the bottom wall of the base, the generally annular wall includes one or more openings configured to receive one or more components of the lift mechanism therethrough.

15. A cosmetic container comprising: a base having a bottom wall, first lateral side wall, and a second lateral side wall;a housing having a top wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, and a back wall, the first and second lateral side walls of the housing coupled to the first and second lateral side walls base and defining a cavity between the base and the housing;a lift mechanism disposed within the cavity, the lift mechanism comprising: a track insert, the track insert slidably coupled to the first and second lateral side walls of the base;a drag bar positioned adjacent to the bottom wall of the base, the drag bar configured to be selectively coupled to the track insert; anda lift plate positioned on top of the drag bar, a first edge of the lift plate positioned within a first channel formed in a first lateral side wall of the track insert and a second edge of the lift plate positioned within a second channel formed in a second lateral side wall of the track insert; anda cosmetic positioned on a top surface of the lift plate;wherein actuation of the track insert in a first direction along a first axis is translated into movement of the lift plate in a second direction along a second axis, the second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 15, wherein the first direction is a direction away from the back wall of the housing and the second direction is a direction towards the top wall of the housing.

17. The cosmetic container of claim 15, wherein actuation of the track insert in the first direction comprises pulling the track insert at least partially out of the cavity of the housing and the base.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 15, wherein after the track insert is actuated a first distance in the first direction, the track insert releasably coupled to the drag bar and subsequent actuation of the track insert in the first direction moves both the track insert and the drag bar a second distance.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 15, wherein the first and second channels transition from a first vertical location to a second vertical location along a length of the first and second channels such that as the track insert is actuated in the first direction, the first and second edges of the lift plate are lifted from the first vertical location to the second vertical location.

20. A cosmetic container comprising: a housing defining a cavity for containing a cosmetic product, the housing having at least one side, a top and a bottom, with a top opening on the top thereof and a side opening on a side thereof;a platform having the cosmetic product thereon or therein, the platform adapted to raise and lower relative to the top opening, the platform having first and second ends, the first end closer to the side opening than the second end;a sliding drawer coupled to the platform such that, as the sliding drawer is opening, separate couplings to the first and second ends of the platform simultaneously raise both ends of the platform to keep the cosmetic product flat, relative to the top of the housing, as it is raised toward the opening.