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[0001] This invention is in the field of containers for storing cosmetics, and particularly in the field of compacts.
[0002] Compacts are hinged cases used primarily by women to store cosmetics and to provide a convenient location for mirrors for use in checking and applying makeup and the like. These compacts generally have a cover and a base that are hingedly attached in a clamshell configuration. The cover typically has a mirror on its inner surface. The interior of the base constitutes a receptacle for cosmetics. For example, face powder may be placed in the base. A catch may be provided to hold the cover and base together when the compact is not in use.
[0003] Conventional compacts, such as described above, suffer from a number of disadvantages. Many cosmetics contain volatile compounds. Over time, the volatile compounds in cosmetics in compacts evaporate, resulting in the drying of the cosmetics. Once the cosmetics dry excessively, they become difficult to apply and may provide a disappointing appearance. After the cosmetics in the compact dry excessively, they must be replaced, resulting in dissatisfaction of the user.
[0004] Conventional compacts are often difficult to open. The most intuitive way to open a compact is often to engage a catch with a fingernail and move the catch upward or downward. This motion results in forward or rearward forces on the nail, which can readily result in breaking of the fingernail.
[0005] Conventional compacts have opaque covers and bases. As the user cannot see the cosmetics contained within the compact, the user must open the compact to see the contents. For example, a user will want to select an appropriate shade of face powder or determine if there is still an appreciable amount of cosmetics in the compact.
[0006] It is an object of the invention to overcome the foregoing disadvantages of cosmetics compacts of the prior art.
[0007] It is an advantage of the invention that the foregoing disadvantages of cosmetics compacts of the prior art are overcome.
[0008] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become evident from the detailed description which follows.
[0009] A compact for cosmetics is provided which has a base, a cover hingedly attached to the base, a drawer slidably supported on the base, and a platform intermediate the base and the cover. The drawer and cover have an open position and a closed position. In a first embodiment, when the drawer is urged inward from its closed position, the cover is released from its closed position. The cover can then be rotated, either manually or automatically, in one or more continuous motions, to its open position.
[0010] In a second embodiment, a compact for cosmetics having a base, a cover hingedly attached to the base, and a platform intermediate the base and the cover, the platform having a floor, a side wall, and a continuous upstanding wall, is provided. The cover has a downward depending skirt. The compact has an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the compact is in its closed position, the upstanding wall of the platform and the skirt of said cover become engaged, forming a closed chamber.
[0011] In a third embodiment, a compact is provided for storing a medium has a base, a cover hingedly attached to the base, a drawer slidably supported on the base, and a platform intermediate the base and the cover, the cover being interoperable with the drawer, whereby the operation of the cover assists in operating the drawer, the operation of the drawer assists in operating the cover, or both.
[0012] In a fourth embodiment, a compact for storing a medium is provided comprising: a base, a cover hingedly attached to the base, a drawer slidably supported on the base, and a platform intermediate the base and the cover, whereby the drawer is spring-loaded to release open when depressed.
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020] Referring now to
[0021] Compact
[0022] In the closed position, platform
[0023] Although the cover
[0024] Drawer
[0025] Compact
[0026] Referring more specifically to the figures, an exemplary embodiment of a compact in accordance with the invention will now be described. The components may best be understood with reference to
[0027] Referring to both
[0028] Drawer
[0029] Platform
[0030] Cover
[0031] Cover
[0032] A front catch
[0033] Suitable plastic material, such as ABS, polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylic, or other plastics, may be employed for the various components, and a variety of suitable materials may be selected by those of skill in the art. The preferred polymeric components are injection molded.
[0034] Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.