SLIM COSMETIC PALETTE

Abstract

A cosmetic container may include a base having a front wall and an opposing back wall defining a cavity therebetween, and a lid. The cosmetic container may include at least one platform releasably secured to the base. The at least one platform may include at least one spring configured to engage with the front wall of the base. The base may include at least one notch, and the at least one platform may include a tab configured to engage with the at least one notch, which may hold the platform within the base.

Description

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present application relates generally to a cosmetic container, and in particular, a slim cosmetic palette.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of cosmetic containers such as compacts and palettes are available for cosmetic products. Such containers hold products in a useable form such as powder, cream, paste, etc., with various designs to allow a user access to the products. For example, a cosmetic container may include a lid and a base assembly, which when assembled may provide an effective container for housing a variety of products. When the cosmetic container is opened, products within the cosmetic container may be accessed. Some examples may allow a user to exchange a product for a new product, such as by having a replaceable tray or puck of the product. However, while interchangeability is useful to allow for replenishment of a spent puck or customization of a palette of materials, the interchangeable elements need to be designed to avoid unintentional removal or falling out, which may damage the product. Secure, yet simple, interchangeability is desired. Thus, although portable cosmetic containers exist, there is a continuing need for new designs. Greater security of the product within the cosmetic container may be desirable. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved cosmetic containers and alternative manufacturing processes.

SUMMARY

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

In a first example, a cosmetic container may include a base having a front wall and an opposing back wall, which may define a cavity therebetween. The back wall may include at least one notch, and the front wall may include an upper rim. The cosmetic container may include at least one platform, having a first side and an opposing second side, which may be releasably secured to the base. The first side of the platform may include at least one spring, which may be configured to engage with the front wall of the base. The second side may include a tab which may be adapted to engage with the at least one notch of the back wall of the base. The cosmetic container may include a lid which may be configured to be coupled to the base in an orientation to cover the at least one platform. The at least one platform may be sized and adapted to fit within the cavity of the base such that the at least one spring may engage with the front wall of the base and the tab may engage with the at least one notch of the back wall, and the first side of the at least one platform may be held within the cavity of the base by the upper rim.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one platform may be removable and insertable into the base when the lid is in an open position.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one spring may be configured to provide a spring force, such that engagement of the at least one spring with an inner side of the front wall of the base may hold the tab within the at least one notch.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lid may have a first side and a second side. The first side may include a clasp configured to engage with an outer side of the front wall of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the lid may be coupled to the base via a hinge assembly.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the base may include a plurality of notches and the cosmetic container may include a plurality of platforms. Each platform may include a tab configured to engage with the plurality of notches.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the plurality of platforms may be configured to be individually removable from the base and insertable into the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one platform may be configured to hold at least one cosmetic product.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one platform may be removable from the base by sliding the at least one platform towards the front wall of the base to overcome the spring force, thereby disengaging the tab from the notch.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the base and the lid may be formed from aluminum.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, each of the plurality of platforms may be configured to be repositionable within the cavity of the base.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one spring may be a compression spring.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one spring may be coupled to the at least one platform.

In a second, non-limiting example, a cosmetic container may include a base having a front wall and an opposing back wall, which may define a cavity therebetween. The back wall may include a plurality of notches, and the front wall may include an upper rim. The cosmetic container may include a plurality of platforms, each having a first side and an opposing second side, which may be releasably secured to the base. The first side of each of the plurality of platforms may include at least one spring, which may be configured to engage with the front wall of the base. The second side of each of the plurality of platforms may include a tab which may be adapted to engage with the at least one notch of the back wall of the base. The cosmetic container may include a lid which may be configured to be coupled to the base in an orientation to cover the plurality of platforms. The plurality of platforms may be sized and adapted to fit within the cavity of the base such that each of the plurality of platforms may be positioned within the cavity of the base side by side, and the first side of each of the plurality of platforms may be held within the cavity of the base by the upper rim.

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. In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, 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. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top front view of an illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective top back view of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the illustrative cosmetic container in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the illustrative cosmetic container as in FIG. 2, taken at lines 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container as in FIG. 2, taken at lines 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a base of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 8A is top view of a platform of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 8B is a side perspective view of the platform of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 8C is a bottom perspective view of the platform of the illustrative cosmetic container;

FIG. 9A illustrates the platform being placed within the base of the illustrative cosmetic container, with the base shown as transparent;

FIG. 9B illustrates the platform placed within the base of the illustrative cosmetic container, with the base shown as transparent;

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of the platform placed within the base of the illustrative cosmetic container, with the base shown as transparent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein the like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in nature.

For convenience, the present disclosure may be described using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others. It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate top front and back perspective views of an illustrative cosmetic container 10 in a closed configuration, respectively. The cosmetic container 10 may by interchangeable in that the cosmetics retained within the cosmetic container 10 can be easily removed and replaced by the user and in any arrangement, as desired. As shown in FIG. 1, the cosmetic container 10 may include a base 12 and a lid 20. The base 12, as shown in further detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, may include a front wall 11 having an outer side 14, and sidewalls 23.

The lid 20 may include a first side 21 which may include a clasp 24. In some examples, the clasp 24 may be used to close the cosmetic container 10 via a friction fit. In other examples, the clasp 24 may be used to close the cosmetic container 10 via a magnetic closure, a snap fit, or an interference fit. The lid 20 may further include a second side 22 which may include a hinge attachment feature 26.

The hinge attachment feature 26 and a hinge plate 27 may form a hinge assembly 25. The hinge attachment feature 26 and the hinge plate 27 may include portions that have been rolled, and/or which may be formed by stamping, for example. A mold or other process may be used instead. In some examples, the product is made of metal and the edges are rolled under to prevent a user encountering any sharp edges. The cosmetic container 10 may have a generally rectangular shape, as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the cosmetic container 10 may take any shape desired, including, but not limited to, square, circular, triangular, half-ovoid, polygonal, etc.

In some examples, 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 examples may, however, include cosmetic containers 10 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or aluminum, stainless steel, tin, or other metal. In some embodiments, the cosmetic container 10 may comprise a transparent or translucent material so that the cosmetic product may be externally viewed. For example, the base 12 may be made of metal while the lid 20 is made of a clear plastic.

The cosmetic container 10 may include a plurality of platforms 30a, 30b, 30c (collectively, 30) accessible to a user when the cosmetic container 10 is in an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. The platforms 30 may be releasably secured to the base 12 such that they are removable, replaceable, and/or interchangeable, as desired. The platforms 30 slide into a cavity 16 within the base 12 under an upper rim 18 of the front wall 11 of the base 12. As further explained below, a rear part of the platforms 30 may snap into place once slid into the cavity 16 against spring pressure created by springs located at the front end of the platforms 30.

The lid 20 may be configured to be coupled to the base 12 in an orientation to cover the platforms 30. The lid 20 may be coupled to the base 12 via the hinge assembly 25. For example, a user may grip the clasp 24 of the lid 20 and pull in an upwards motion, thereby opening the cosmetic container 10. The lid 20 may then pivot open via the hinge assembly 25 to expose the platforms 30 within the base 12. A user may then close the cosmetic container 10 by pushing the lid 20 in a downward motion such that the clasp 24 engages with the front wall 11 of the base 12. In other examples, the lid 20 may be completely removable from the base 12. In some examples, the lid 20 may close relative to the base using a different design, such as any suitable magnetic closure, snap fit, or friction fit. In some examples, the lid 20 may include a mirror (not shown) affixed to an underside or top side of the lid 20. In other examples, the lid 20 may be transparent so that the cosmetic product within may be externally viewed and/or for decorative purposes (e.g., showing decoration under the lid 20).

As shown in FIG. 3, the platforms 30 may include one or more fill pans 35a, 35b, 35c (collectively, 35). The fill pans 35 may be configured to receive a cosmetic product, such as, but not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), 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, pastes, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, or other cosmetic product. Alternatively, the cosmetic product may be deposited directly into the platforms 30.

The fill pans 35 may have various shapes and sizes. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the cosmetic container 10 may contain three platforms 30, each holding one fill pan 35. It is contemplated that the platforms 30 and/or fill pans 35 may have differing sizes and/or a different number of platforms 30 and/or fill pans 35 may be provided in the cosmetic container 10. For example, a single platform 30 may fill the entire cosmetic container 10, or multiple platforms 30 of varying sizes may be provided. The cosmetic container 10 may be provided with a large array of platform 30 sizes and placement configurations. A single platform 30 may hold more than one fill pan 35. Platform 30 widths may be as desired. The fill pans 35 may be sized and shaped to generally fill their respective platform 30, although this is not required. In some cases, one or more platforms 30 may be free from a fill pan 35 to allow for the placement and/or retention of a cosmetic implement. Illustrative implements may include but are not limited to an applicator with a handle, an applicator without a handle, a stencil (e.g., a brow stencil), tweezers, a brush with or without a handle, a sponge with or without a handle, a pencil, a vial, a lipstick, etc.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10. The base 12 may include the sidewalls 23, the front wall 11 and an opposing back wall 13. The sidewalls 23, the front wall 11 and the back wall 13 together form the cavity 16 of the base 12. The back wall 13 of the base 12 may be formed from one or more vertical projections 28, which may be separated by one or more gaps 19. Each of the one or more vertical projections 28 may include one or more notches 17. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the back wall 13 may include three vertical projections 28 separated by gaps 19. Each of the vertical projections 28 may include one notch 17 that engages one of the three platforms 30a, 30b, 30c.

The front wall 11 of the base 12 may include the outer side 14 and an inner side 15 (as shown in FIG. 7). The front wall 11 may include the upper rim 18 which may be configured to hold the platforms 30 within the cavity 16 of the base 12. The hinge plate 27 may be attached and/or secured to an outer side of the back wall 13 of the base 12 using snap fit, pins, rivets, screws, heat, laser, or sonic welding, injection molding, adhesive, or other suitable attachment method. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, lid 20 may include a hinge attachment feature 26 on the second side 22 of the lid 20. The hinge attachment feature 26 (not seen in FIG. 4) may engage with the hinge plate 27 to form the hinge assembly 25. A pinned hinge may be used, as desired. In various alternatives, rather than a hinge plate, a living hinge may be provided, if a plastic is used for the lid or as an intermediary piece coupling the lid to the base.

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 3, the cosmetic container 10 may include the plurality of platforms 30a, 30b, 30c (collectively, 30). Each of the platforms 30 may include a first lateral sidewall 41, a second lateral sidewall 42, a first side 31 and a second side 32, defining a well 36 therebetween. The well 36 may be configured to receive the fill pans 35a, 35b, 35c (collectively, 35), which may be sized and shaped such that they fit within the well 36 of the platform 30.

The first side 31 may include a first upper ridge 37, which may include one or more springs 33a, 33b. The first upper ridge 37 including the springs 33a, 33b may be configured to slide into the base 12 and fit beneath the upper rim 18. The springs 33a, 33b may be configured to engage with the inner side 15 of the front wall 11, as discussed further with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C. The second side 32 of the platform 30 may include a second upper ridge 38 which may be configured to fit over the back wall 13 of the base 12. The first lateral sidewall 41 and the second lateral sidewall 42 may be configured to fit within the gaps 19 of the back wall 13. In this manner, the second upper ridge 38 and the lateral sidewalls 41, 42 fit over and around the vertical projection 28 of the back wall 13 and the hinge plate 27 such that the lateral sidewalls 41, 42 fit within the gaps 19, thereby holding the platforms 30 in their respective positions so as to prevent movement and/or shifting of the platforms 30 within the cavity 16 of the base 12.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 as in FIG. 2, taken at lines 5-5. As shown in FIG. 5, the platforms 30 may be positioned within the cavity 16 of the base 12 in a side by side fashion. In other examples, there may be one large platform 30 configured to hold one fill pan 35, or there may be four small platforms 30 each configured to hold one of four small fill pans 35. The platforms 30 may be removed and reinserted in any arrangement. It is contemplated that any number of platforms 30 and associated fill pans 35 may be provided. Further, any number of fill pans 35 may be provided for each platform 30. These are just examples.

The springs 33a, 33b may engage with the inner side 15 of the front wall 11. While each platform 30 is shown as including two springs 33a and 33b, any suitable number of springs may be used (a single spring, or three or more springs, for example). The springs 33a, 33b may be coupled to the first side 31 of the platform 30 at the first upper ridge 37. The springs 33a, 33b are shown to be formed as a part of the first upper ridge 37 of the platform 30. For example, the springs 33a, 33b and the platform 30 may be formed in a single mold with details as shown or similar, and/or made from one piece by cutting and/or removal. In another embodiment, the springs 33a, 33b may be integrally coupled to the platform 30 such as by insert molding the springs 33a, 33b onto the platform 30. In other embodiments, the springs 33a, 33b may be attached to the platform 30 via adhesive, heat, welding, or mechanical coupling (snap on, screw, rivet), if so desired.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the illustrative cosmetic container 10 as in FIG. 2, taken at lines 6-6. As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 20 may be configured to be coupled to the base 12 via the hinge assembly 25. The lid 20 may extend over the platform 30 to the front wall 11 of the base 12. The lid 20 may include the clasp 24 which may be configured to engage with the outer side 14 of the front wall 11 via friction fit. The platform 30, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 4, may include the first upper ridge 37 and the second upper ridge 38. The second upper ridge 38 may be configured to fit over the back wall 13 of the base 12 and the hinge plate 27. The first upper ridge 37 including the springs 33a, 33b may be configured to fit under the upper rim 18 of the front wall 11. The platform 30 may include the first and second lateral sidewalls 41, 42 (not shown in FIG. 6), and the first side 31 and the second side 32, defining the well 36 therebetween. The well 36 may be configured to receive the fill pans 35, which may be sized and shaped such that they fit within the well 36 of the platform 30.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the illustrative base 12 of the cosmetic container 10. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 4, the base 12 may include the sidewalls 23, the front wall 11 and the opposing back wall 13. The sidewalls 23, the front wall 11 and the back wall 13 together form the cavity 16 of the base 12. The back wall 13 of the base 12 may be formed from one or more vertical projections 28, which may be separated by one or more gaps 19. Each of the one or more vertical projections 28 may include one or more notches 17. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the back wall 13 may include three vertical projections 28 separated by gaps 19. Each of the vertical projections 28 may include one notch 17 that engages one of the three platforms 30a, 30b, 30c. The front wall 11 of the base 12 may include the outer side 14 and the inner side 15. The front wall 11 may further include the upper rim 18 which may be configured to hold the platforms 30 within the cavity 16 of the base 12. The hinge plate 27 may be attached and/or secured to an outer side of the back wall 13 of the base 12 using heat, laser, or sonic welding, injection molding, adhesive, or any other suitable method of attachment. As noted previously, other hinge designs may be used or, alternatively, the hinge may be omitted and the lid may be completely removable.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the illustrative platform 30 of the cosmetic container 10. As shown in FIG. 8A, the platform 30 may include the first end 31, which may include the springs 33a, 33b. The springs 33a, 33b may be formed as a part of the first upper ridge 37 of the platform 30. The springs 33a, 33b may be compression springs, and may provide a spring force that is biased towards an extended state. The springs 33a, 33b may be formed by stamping, molding, or other suitable method. The well 36 of the platform 30 may include a first end 39 and a second end 40, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. As shown in FIG. 8C, the second end 40 of the well 36 may include the tab 34, which may be configured to engage with the notches 17 of the back wall 13. The second end 40 may include a stop 45 positioned adjacent to the tab 34 which may aid in providing a friction fit, thereby holding the platform 30 within the base 12. The second upper ridge 38 may include a lip 44, which may include a recess 43. The lip 44 and recess 43 may allow a user to grip the platform 30 when removing and/or inserting the platform 30 into the base 12.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate the platform 30 as it is being placed within the base 12 of the illustrative cosmetic container 10, with the base 12 shown as transparent. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first side 31 of the platform 30, including the springs 33a, 33b, may slide under the upper rim 18 of the front wall 11. A user may grasp the lip 44 of the second upper ridge 38, and exert a force (e.g., a push force) on the platform 30 in a forward direction. The springs 33a, 33b may engage with the inner side 15 of the front wall 11 which may place the springs 33a, 33b in a compressed state. The platform 30 may then be lowered down into the cavity 16 of the base 12 such that the second upper ridge 38 fits over the vertical projection 28. When the platform 30 is placed within the base 12, the push force is removed and the springs 33a, 33b are released from the compressed state to the extended state (e.g., releasing the spring force), causing the tab 34 to engage with the notch 17, and hold the platform 30 in base 12 via friction fit, as seen in FIGS. 9B and 9C.

The user may remove the platform 30 by overcoming the spring force provided by the springs 33a, 33b by pushing the platform 30 in a direction towards the front wall 11 of the base 12, thereby causing the tab 34 to disengage from the notch 17. The user can then grip the lip 44 and/or the recess 43 of the second upper ridge 38 and remove the platform 30. The springs 33a, 33b may be any suitable type of spring capable of providing a spring force (e.g., a torsion spring, a compression spring, a plastic spring, repelling magnets, a sponge, and the like).

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) and example method, 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.

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 having a front wall and an opposing back wall defining a cavity therebetween, the back wall including at least one notch, and the front wall including an upper rim;at least one platform releasably secured to the base, the at least one platform having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side includes at least one spring configured to engage with the front wall of the base, and the second side includes a tab adapted to engage with the at least one notch of the back wall;a lid configured to be coupled to the base in an orientation to cover the at least one platform; andwherein the at least one platform is sized and adapted to fit within the cavity of the base with the at least one spring engaged with the front wall of the base and the tab engaged with the at least one notch of the back wall, and the first side of the at least one platform is held within the cavity of the base by the upper rim.

2. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform is removable and insertable into the base when the lid is in an open position.

3. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is configured to provide a spring force such that engagement of the at least one spring with an inner side of the front wall of the base holds the tab within the at least one notch.

4. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lid has a first side and a second side, the first side including a clasp configured to engage with an outer side of the front wall of the base.

5. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the base via a hinge assembly.

6. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of notches and the cosmetic container includes a plurality of platforms, each platform including a tab configured to engage with the plurality of notches.

7. The cosmetic container of claim 6, wherein the plurality of platforms are configured to be individually removable from and insertable into the base.

8. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform is configured to hold at least one cosmetic product.

9. The cosmetic container of claim 3, wherein the at least one platform is removable from the base by sliding the at least one platform towards the front wall of the base to overcome the spring force, thereby disengaging the tab from the notch.

10. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the base and the lid are formed from aluminum.

11. The cosmetic container of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of platforms are configured to be repositionable within the cavity of the base.

12. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is a compression spring.

13. The cosmetic container of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to the at least one platform.

14. A cosmetic container comprising: a base having a front wall and an opposing back wall defining a cavity therebetween, the back wall including a plurality of notches, and the front wall including an upper rim;a plurality of platforms releasably secured to the base, the plurality of platforms each having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side includes at least one spring configured to engage with the front wall of the base, and the second side includes a tab adapted to engage with the plurality of notches of the back wall;a lid configured to be coupled to the base in an orientation to cover the plurality of platforms; andwherein the plurality of platforms are sized and adapted to fit within the cavity of the base such that each of the plurality of platforms are positioned within the cavity of the base side by side and the first side of each of the plurality of platforms is held within the cavity of the base by the upper rim.

15. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein the plurality of platforms are configured to be individually removable and insertable into the base when the lid is in an open position.

16. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein the at least one spring is configured to provide a spring force such that engagement of the at least one spring with an inner side of the front wall of the base holds the tab within the plurality of notches.

17. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein the lid has a first side and a second side, the first side including a clasp configured to engage with an outer side of the front wall of the base.

18. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein the lid is coupled to the base via a hinge assembly.

19. The cosmetic container of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of platforms are configured to be repositionable within the cavity of the base.

20. The cosmetic container of claim 16, wherein the plurality of platforms are removable from the base by sliding each of the plurality of platforms individually towards the front wall of the base to overcome the spring force, thereby disengaging the tab from the plurality of notches.